Min Hee Jin, chief executive of ooak Records, has proposed giving up the KRW25.6 billion (approximately US$18 million) she won in a recent court ruling in exchange for a complete halt to all legal disputes with HYBE.
Speaking at a press conference on February 25 at Kyowon Challenge Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Min said she was prepared to trade the substantial payout for what she described as a greater value — peace. She urged HYBE to withdraw all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits and bring the prolonged conflict to an end.
Focus On NewJeans’ Future
Min cited the well-being of NewJeans as the main motivation behind her decision. She said she could no longer bear to see the five members entangled in legal proceedings instead of performing on stage.
She also called for all complaints and legal actions involving the artists, their families and fans to be dropped, stressing the need to restore stability and protect the group’s future.
Court Victory And Ongoing Appeal
Earlier this month, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in Min’s favour in a stock purchase payment lawsuit, ordering HYBE to pay KRW25.5 billion — an amount rising to roughly KRW28.6 billion when associates are included. The court found insufficient evidence to support allegations of a “management takeover” or “tampering”.
Min described the ruling as vindication after nearly two years of turmoil, saying it reaffirmed that her actions were legitimate managerial decisions.
However, HYBE has filed an appeal, and the court has since approved a suspension of compulsory execution, effectively delaying the payment. Industry observers view Min’s latest proposal as an attempt to seek comprehensive reconciliation rather than prolonging a costly and highly publicised dispute.
In her closing remarks, Min appealed to HYBE and ADOR to create an environment where NewJeans can pursue their ambitions freely, adding that no financial sum outweighs the need for a healthy K-pop ecosystem and the daily peace of artists.
