Former ADOR CEO and current OOAK Records founder Min Hee-jin made a unilateral offer to HYBE at her fourth press conference: stop all disputes.
Min entered the press room at Kyowon Challenge Hall in Jongno, Seoul, at 1:55 p.m.―about 10 minutes later than scheduled―on the 25th and read a statement for roughly six minutes.
After announcing the press conference the night before, Min met the media for the fourth time following sessions in April 2024, May 2024, and January 2026.
Having won the first trial over a 25.6 billion won put option against HYBE, Min proposed giving up the entire put option if all civil and criminal disputes involving herself, NewJeans, partner companies, and the fandom are withdrawn.
“There are values more important to me than money. Now that my sincerity has been recognized, I want to show the world that there are things more precious than money,” she said. “I hope this decision―to trade a large sum of 25.6 billion won for other values―can lead to broader growth and harmony in the K-pop industry.”
Explaining her decision, Min referenced the members of NewJeans: “I can’t watch a reality where the five members, who should be happy on stage, end up with some onstage and others in court. The members on stage must be suffering too, and neither fans nor anyone else can view this situation with joy. With hearts torn apart like this, we can’t create good culture.”
Min also addressed HYBE and Chair Bang Si-hyuk: “Let’s meet not in court but in the space of creation.” She added, “In an era where corporate responsibility is more stringent―such as with the Commercial Act amendment coming in July 2025―choosing to defuse risks in entertainment and pursue harmony is the wisest management decision for shareholders and fans.”
She closed by saying, “There will be no more wasteful press conferences after today. I’ll meet you on the creative stage―not in press rooms or courtrooms. I will now devote myself to what I do best: the creative.”
After reading her statement, Min left with a bright expression without taking questions.
Photo: Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
댓글