South Korean prosecutors have delivered a significant blow to former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. On May 27, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office declined to indict 10 executives from HYBE and its subsidiary BELIFT LAB, effectively dismissing a flurry of criminal complaints filed by Min between July and December 2024.
The complaints centered on allegations of defamation, business obstruction, and violations of information and communications network laws. At the heart of it was HYBE’s explosive April 2024 press release, which accused Min of consulting a shaman for ADOR management decisions and plotting to sever NewJeans’ contracts.
Prosecutors reviewed KakaoTalk logs provided by HYBE, confirming Min had indeed discussed company matters with a shaman including a 2021 message urging her to “seize the company after three years.” While they noted HYBE’s language was somewhat exaggerated, it didn’t cross into criminal defamation.
A separate complaint against BELIFT LAB over claims that ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans’ concepts was also tossed, with prosecutors viewing the label’s defense video as protected opinion rather than falsehood. HYBE’s access to ADOR emails during an internal audit? Deemed lawful corporate oversight.
I’ve covered K-pop power struggles for years, and this one feels uniquely personal. Min Hee-jin, the visionary behind NewJeans’ fresh sound and styling, built an empire only to clash with the industry giant that acquired ADOR. Fans on both sides are exhausted: NewJeans supporters point to Min’s civil court wins like the February 2026 ruling ordering HYBE to pay her roughly $17.6 million in a shareholder dispute while HYBE and ILLIT fans see vindication.
Expert Take: Entertainment lawyer Kim Soo-yeon, who has handled several idol contract disputes, told me: “Prosecutors prioritize clear evidence of malice. Here, HYBE had documentation. This doesn’t erase civil battles or reputational scars, but it stabilizes operations for both sides.”
The feud’s timeline tells a story of ambition and fallout: Min’s 2021 ADOR founding, 2024 boardroom drama, NewJeans’ contract termination attempts (mostly rejected by courts), and ongoing member returns to ADOR.
As civil suits linger, the industry watches closely. HYBE, home to BTS and global hits, must navigate public perception, while Min’s influence remains undeniable.
For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the glamour lies raw corporate reality one where not every battle ends in a headline-making indictment
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