News Hybe/MHJ Civil War Megathread (5 Viewers)

[LoveYooShaSha]

The contract validation case is still going but I'm under the impression the next hearing is the last so if this affected NewJeans at a level where Hybe could be personally held responsible they'd be better waiting till after the contract is validated or invalidated then making their move then.

I'm rlly confused since none of us here read/understand korean so it's all second hand to me, so I thought the appeal for the injunction is over but the main lawsuit is the contract validation, is a vis a vis NJZ v. ADOR/HYBE. The rest is MHJ v. ADOR/HYBE/others which hv no bearing on contract validity if it's decided before all the other cases even start.

But if the embezzlement is prejudicial to the contract validation & it's ongoing n won't be concluded until long after the contract is validated or not, legally there could be case for the injunction to be suspended until after the embezzlement case is concluded.

But I'm just a layman so I'll wait till the next step n see if I'm way too far from the right pov. But with the embezzlement n non-result from long ago audit of ADOR, an outsider might consider a conspiracy to prevent/avoid MHJ from realising/discovering the embezzlement n realizing her stock options/shares buyout. But maybe it's just me n I don't understand business/legalese/contracts.

 

[Abeamus]

I'm rlly confused since none of us here read/understand korean so it's all second hand to me, so I thought the appeal for the injunction is over but the main lawsuit is the contract validation, is a vis a vis NJZ v. ADOR/HYBE. The rest is MHJ v. ADOR/HYBE/others which hv no bearing on contract validity if it's decided before all the other cases even start.

But if the embezzlement is prejudicial to the contract validation & it's ongoing n won't be concluded until long after the contract is validated or not, legally there could be case for the injunction to be suspended until after the embezzlement case is concluded.

But I'm just a layman so I'll wait till the next step n see if I'm way too far from the right pov. But with the embezzlement n non-result from long ago audit of ADOR, an outsider might consider a conspiracy to prevent/avoid MHJ from realising/discovering the embezzlement n realizing her stock options/shares buyout. But maybe it's just me n I don't understand business/legalese/contracts.

Just so you're aware uwu the contract validation lawsuit was filed in December and will for sure conclude in October close to November so that's nearly a year just to see if the contract is valid.

Between appeals and further lawsuits since invalid or valid then either NewJeans file to get out of the contract or Ador sues NewJeans for damages this case could take years to the point NewJeans contracts might be close to expired so it's possible if there is embezzlement that affects them that it could be brought up as evidence.

 

[Selfmate]

The contract validation case is still going but I'm under the impression the next hearing is the last so if this affected NewJeans at a level where Hybe could be personally held responsible they'd be better waiting till after the contract is validated or invalidated then making their move then.

I was under the impression that they have another mediation conference next month sometime in August to see if they can mend bridges

 

[Abeamus]

I was under the impression that they have another mediation conference next month sometime in August to see if they can mend bridges

There's a mediation in August and then the final hearing itself is in October

 

[Selfmate]

Court orders YouTuber to pay 30 million won to NewJeans for sexual harassment

A Seoul court has ordered a YouTuber who sexually harassed members of girl group NewJeans online to pay 30 million won ($21,600) in damages.

The Seoul Western District Court on June 25 partially ruled in favour of NewJeans, which had filed charges against the YouTuber surnamed Shin, the magazine Sisa Journal reported Monday. The ruling was finalized on July 22 after Shin did not file an appeal.

Shin was ordered to pay NewJeans' Haerin and Hyejin 7 million won each and 5 million won each to Minji, Hanni and Danielle.

Shin is accused of making comments about NewJeans while alluding to sexual acts in more than 20 videos uploaded to YouTube in 2024.

The YouTuber was also accused of sexually harassing underage group members in the comments.

ADOR, NewJeans' agency, filed criminal charges against Shin in June of last year and demanded 20 million won in damages to each member for a total of 1 billion won.

NewJeans, or NJZ as the group members call themselves, has been on hiatus since March following a legal battle with ADOR.

In November 2024, NewJeans announced that their exclusive contract with agency ADOR had been terminated. The agency in turn filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract, along with injunction requests to maintain its status as the group’s agency and to bar the members from signing advertising deals.

An appeals court in March granted all of ADOR’s requests and ordered the members to pay 1 billion won in penalties for each independent activity carried out without the agency’s consent.

A mediation hearing for the contract validity lawsuit between NewJeans and ADOR is scheduled for Thursday.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...won-to-NewJeans-for-sexual-harassment/2373135

 

[Selfmate]

NewJeans Erased From ADOR Website as HYBE Dispute Escalates

ADOR has removed all references to NewJeans (now performing as NJZ) from its official website, marking a sharp escalation in the high-profile dispute between the K-Pop girl group and its former label. The update comes less than a year after the departure of ADOR’s founding CEO and NewJeans’ creative lead, Min Hee-jin, whose exit in August 2024 sparked a legal and creative battle that has gripped the K-Pop industry.

The move appears tied to ADOR’s recent preliminary injunction, which temporarily halts the group’s activities under their new NJZ branding. This legal action is part of the wider HYBE–ADOR conflict, which began when HYBE’s board dismissed Min over allegations of attempting to seize control of the label. NewJeans, who had publicly called for Min’s reinstatement during a surprise livestream in September 2024, have been outspoken about their dissatisfaction with ADOR’s leadership since her removal.

Tensions reached breaking point in November 2024 when NewJeans announced their departure from ADOR at an emergency press conference, citing contract violations and a toxic work environment. Members accused the company of mismanagement, discriminatory treatment, and prioritizing profits over artistic integrity. They also alleged that staff from another HYBE sub-label had acted unprofessionally toward them.

Since their debut in 2022, NewJeans have become one of K-Pop’s fastest-rising acts, topping the Billboard 200 with their EP Get Up and earning global acclaim for hits like “Ditto.” While the group insists they will “never give up the name NewJeans,” ADOR’s website update underscores the deepening rift and uncertainty over who will ultimately control the brand.

Source: https://inmusicblog.com/2025/08/10/newjeans-erased-from-ador-website-as-hybe-dispute-escalates/

 

[Selfmate]

“Disbandment?” ADOR Completely “Erases” NJZ (NewJeans), Leaving Netizens Reeling

Fans have been waiting for official updates.

As the legal battle between NJZ (NewJeans) and ADOR continues, fans have waited for any news of the group’s future.

The third round of hearings began in July, with NJZ’s comments about HYBE making headlines. For the group’s fans, the desired result appears to be NJZ’s freedom from the company due to their claims of mistreatment.

Recently, ADOR made an update that sparked more discussion on the group’s possible fate.

Previously, ADOR used a website under the url ador.world, which primarily featured information about the company’s auditions for its upcoming boy group. The site also linked to NJZ’s separate website, as seen in the lower corner of the page.

Recently, the url began redirecting to adoraudition.world, with only the details of the audition included. The previous link to NJZ’s website was also removed along with some other stylistic changes, along with HYBE being featured now.

Many have reacted to this update, showing a range of emotions. Some see this as the “end” of NJZ, and don’t consider the removal as a good sign.

Others are more optimistic, hoping this is a sign NJZ are closer to independence from ADOR and HYBE.

There have been no official updates as of writing.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/disba...erases-njz-newjeans-leaving-netizens-reeling/

 

[RandAlThor]

“Disbandment?” ADOR Completely “Erases” NJZ (NewJeans), Leaving Netizens Reeling

Fans have been waiting for official updates.

As the legal battle between NJZ (NewJeans) and ADOR continues, fans have waited for any news of the group’s future.

The third round of hearings began in July, with NJZ’s comments about HYBE making headlines. For the group’s fans, the desired result appears to be NJZ’s freedom from the company due to their claims of mistreatment.

Recently, ADOR made an update that sparked more discussion on the group’s possible fate.

Previously, ADOR used a website under the url ador.world, which primarily featured information about the company’s auditions for its upcoming boy group. The site also linked to NJZ’s separate website, as seen in the lower corner of the page.

Recently, the url began redirecting to adoraudition.world, with only the details of the audition included. The previous link to NJZ’s website was also removed along with some other stylistic changes, along with HYBE being featured now.

Many have reacted to this update, showing a range of emotions. Some see this as the “end” of NJZ, and don’t consider the removal as a good sign.

Others are more optimistic, hoping this is a sign NJZ are closer to independence from ADOR and HYBE.

There have been no official updates as of writing.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/disba...erases-njz-newjeans-leaving-netizens-reeling/

Seems to be a content change on that page.

If a new jeans p[age still exists then they are not really gone. maybe they will have a artist page separately.

 

[Abeamus]

Seems to be a content change on that page.

If a new jeans p[age still exists then they are not really gone. maybe they will have a artist page separately.

They're still listed as artists on Hybes website so probably more of a case of they figured it's not like NewJeans is going to be active anytime soon so we'll plaster the audition across the website and fix things if needed and I'd say at the very least it's an indication that they aren't expecting to come to an agreement with the mediation that brings NewJeans back to Ador.

 

[Selfmate]

if you ador something set it free
if it comesback more success does it guarantee
if not you might get a contract termination fee

 

[Selfmate]

Harin Clarifies Comments on NewJeans Debut: "No Intention to Criticize or Expose"

Japanese model and actress Harin (real name Harada Rin) has addressed recent remarks regarding her halted debut with K-pop girl group NewJeans.

On August 13, Harin posted a lengthy message on her YouTube community, explaining she wrote in Japanese to avoid misunderstandings caused by translation. She expressed gratitude for the sudden attention but also shared her concerns, stating that her previous interview reflected personal frustration and disappointment, not criticism toward any company or individual.

Harin clarified the situation surrounding her contract termination prior to NewJeans' debut. She wrote, "It was a difficult time, but I became stronger. I still support the members of NewJeans, with whom I shared laughter and tears."

Harin moved to South Korea in 2020 and initially signed as a trainee with Source Music before transferring to ADOR. She was selected for NewJeans' debut lineup but later received a sudden contract termination notice.

She discussed her experience in a recent appearance on Japanese actor Takeda Hiromitsu's YouTube channel Gochu Wasabi, explaining why she had to give up her K-pop idol dreams. "I trained hard for two years and was grateful to sign a contract. The CEO even told us, 'You will debut,' but I alone received a sudden termination notice," she recalled.

Harin added, "It was very difficult. I was shocked that this happened just before debut. I wanted to say goodbye, but I wasn't allowed, and I couldn't see the other members either."

Despite the setback, Harin continues her career in South Korea and is currently appearing in Channel A's weekend drama Traveling on Your Behalf.

Source: https://www.dipe.co.kr/2329831

 

[Selfmate]

Mediation between NewJeans' Minji, Danielle and agency ADOR fails

An attempt to mediate the legal dispute between members of girl group NewJeans and their agency ADOR failed on Thursday. A second attempt will take place on Sept. 11.

Two members of NewJeans — Danielle and Minji — along with the legal representatives of ADOR and the girl group sat down for a mediation session from 2 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. at the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday.

The two sides repeated their stances but did not come to a mutual understanding, according to reports. When the two members were asked what was covered during the session by reporters, they exited without answering.

The legal battle between the NewJeans members and ADOR began last November, when the five singers unilaterally argued that their contracts with ADOR became null because ADOR failed to keep its end of the deal.

ADOR filed for a court injunction against the NewJeans' members to prevent them from making their own music and holding activities outside of the agency, along with a lawsuit claiming that the contracts are still valid.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...-Minji-Danielle-and-agency-ADOR-fails/2376242

 

[Selfmate]

Minji and Daniel attend court as NewJeans conflicts with ADOR over contract

Amid a dispute over the exclusive contract between the group NewJeans and its agency ADOR, members Minji and Daniel appeared in court in person, following the court's mediation process. Those who did not reach an agreement at once will undergo mediation again in September.

The mediation date for the lawsuit filed by ADOR against NewJeans to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract was held at the Seoul Central District Court Civil Settlement Division 41 (presided over by Director General Jeong Hoe-il) on the 14th at 2 p.m.

Earlier, during the previous hearing, the court noted, "It seems that people with actual authority should come out," and requested the attendance of the members. Ultimately, members Minji and Daniel attended the mediation held on this day, which proceeded confidentially.

Thus far, NewJeans has claimed that "the trust relationship with ADOR has completely collapsed," and rejected the court's request for an agreement, but it recently stated its willingness to negotiate and mediate. However, the members demanded that the conditions for the agreement be to return to ADOR prior to the appreciation of former CEO Min Hee-jin.

Since the mediation was conducted confidentially, the results produced by both sides remain unclear. The two sides faced each other for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to carry out the mediation process, and the members also left the court without disclosing any particular position.

Meanwhile, their mediation date will again take place on September 11. Ultimately, on the mediation date held today (14th), both sides failed to reach an agreement. If mediation fails again in September, a verdict from the court is expected to be announced on October 30.

On the other hand, NewJeans is currently in a state of suspension. In March, the Seoul Central District Court granted the injunction filed by ADOR against the five members of NewJeans, preventing them from conducting independent activities. The members immediately protested and filed an objection, but the court dismissed it. The members' appeal was also unsuccessful.

Additionally, if the members continue their entertainment activities independently without ADOR due to indirect coercion, they must pay ADOR 1 billion won for each violation. If they conduct independent activities as NewJeans, a total of 5 billion won will be payable to ADOR.

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-entertainment/2025/08/14/XEJE7W3ODVDCNGKPSZF5674GF4/

 

[Selfmate]

Ador appoints new CEO as legal fight with NewJeans drags on

K-pop agency names third CEO in under four years

Ador, a music label under Hybe and home to NewJeans, said Wednesday it has named Lee Do-kyong as its new CEO, replacing Kim Ju-young after just one year.

The label said Lee’s appointment reflects a pivot toward reinforcing the agency's role in planning and managing artists’ music and performances. Lee was previously vice president of Hybe’s IPX division, which develops artist IP-based businesses such as merchandising, licensing and fan experiences.

The outgoing Kim, a former HR executive, was appointed in August 2024 following the ouster of founding head Min Hee-jin, who remains in a legal dispute with Hybe over stock options following an alleged attempt to seize control of the subsidiary.

“Having deemed the previous restructuring goals achieved, the board is now moving to an operational model focused on quickly supporting artists’ activities and driving business expansion,” Ador said in a statement.

Lee joined Hybe (then Big Hit Entertainment) in 2019 and helped steer corporate vision, business strategy and new ventures. In 2022, she took charge of IPX to oversee merchandising, including pop-up stores and light stick operations. Lee also spearheaded “The City,” a large-scale project that extended fan experiences across entire cities where Hybe artist concerts were being held.

With Lee at the helm, Ador says it has built a more agile structure to support its roster. The label manages girl group NewJeans — currently in a contractual dispute with Hybe — and in June launched the “2025 Ador Boys Global Audition” to recruit members for a next-generation boy band.

Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10558085

 

[RandAlThor]

Ador appoints new CEO as legal fight with NewJeans drags on

K-pop agency names third CEO in under four years

Ador, a music label under Hybe and home to NewJeans, said Wednesday it has named Lee Do-kyong as its new CEO, replacing Kim Ju-young after just one year.

The label said Lee’s appointment reflects a pivot toward reinforcing the agency's role in planning and managing artists’ music and performances. Lee was previously vice president of Hybe’s IPX division, which develops artist IP-based businesses such as merchandising, licensing and fan experiences.

The outgoing Kim, a former HR executive, was appointed in August 2024 following the ouster of founding head Min Hee-jin, who remains in a legal dispute with Hybe over stock options following an alleged attempt to seize control of the subsidiary.

“Having deemed the previous restructuring goals achieved, the board is now moving to an operational model focused on quickly supporting artists’ activities and driving business expansion,” Ador said in a statement.

Lee joined Hybe (then Big Hit Entertainment) in 2019 and helped steer corporate vision, business strategy and new ventures. In 2022, she took charge of IPX to oversee merchandising, including pop-up stores and light stick operations. Lee also spearheaded “The City,” a large-scale project that extended fan experiences across entire cities where Hybe artist concerts were being held.

With Lee at the helm, Ador says it has built a more agile structure to support its roster. The label manages girl group NewJeans — currently in a contractual dispute with Hybe — and in June launched the “2025 Ador Boys Global Audition” to recruit members for a next-generation boy band.

Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10558085

yeah the Hr guy was to clean up the internal issues. make sure all the i's were dotted and t's crossed. obvious since they had no active artists( NJ are in time out p).

 

[Selfmate]

Min Hee-Jin In Trouble, Ex ADOR CEO's Kakaotalk Messages Approved To Be Used As Evidence In Court

After Min Hee Jin was sued for 500 million won by Source Music for defamation, obstruction of business, and insults, the case held its third hearing on August 22, during which the court finalised presentation of her conversation with KakaoTalk, hinting at trouble for the former ADOR CEO.

Min Hee Jin and KakaoTalk conversation presented on third hearing

As per latest update, Min Hee-Jin's conversation with KakaoTalk will be presented during the third hearing of the case, on August 22. After the conversation got played, the court ruled, "It is difficult to see these KakaoTalk records as violating the Protection of Communications Secrets Act. They will be admitted and disclosed as evidence." To this, Min Hee-jin's side also argued, "Even mentioning the KakaoTalk contents during the trial is problematic."

But, Source Music had a counter statement, "Didn’t Min Hee Jin herself read the KakaoTalk messages aloud and openly criticize during a press conference in the past? This presentation was also something Min Hee Jin’s side initially proposed. Now that unfavorable KakaoTalk messages are coming up, requesting restrictions on the presentation cannot be considered fair. Quoting the KakaoTalk contents during oral arguments is a legitimate exercise of litigation rights."

Oral Arguments allowed in court
To this, the court has now concluded that, "We do not see the necessity of a public presentation, so we will not proceed with it. However, oral arguments will be conducted in open court as per the principle."

For the unversed, after over a year battling against the case, last month, the former ADOR CEO was found not guilty and cleared of all the charges. It further added that there is no suspicion of crime in the case. The new hearing is scheduled on November 7.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/entert...e-used-as-evidence-in-court-article-152509812

 

[Selfmate]

Court adopts KakaoTalk evidence in Min Hee-jin lawsuit against SOURCEmusic

The court adopted the KakaoTalk conversations that became the issue in the 500 million won damages lawsuit between Min Hee-jin, the former head of ADOR, and SOURCEmusic, a label under HYBE, as evidence. This decision, which officially recognized the evidentiary value of messenger conversations, is expected to have a significant impact on future litigation.

On the morning of the 22nd, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 12 held the third hearing of the damages claim lawsuit filed by SOURCEmusic against Min Hee-jin and stated, "The submitted KakaoTalk conversations cannot be considered a violation of the Communications Privacy Protection Act" and added, "Considering various circumstances such as password sharing, the evidentiary value can be recognized." The court also announced, "Therefore, the KakaoTalk conversations submitted by SOURCEmusic are adopted as evidence."

Only oral arguments allowed instead of public presentations

The court added that regarding the trial proceedings, it "determined that there is no need for a public presentation" but "will proceed with public hearings through oral arguments in accordance with the principle of public trials."

Min Hee-jin's side: "Reading KakaoTalk is inappropriate..." The court: "Principle of publicity"

Min Hee-jin's side immediately protested the recognition of the evidentiary value of KakaoTalk. The defense attorney stated, "Communications secrecy is a constitutional basic right" and argued, "It is not appropriate to specifically quote conversation content in a public court." The court maintained, "In civil lawsuits, arguments are generally public," adding, "If objections arise along the way, we will judge according to legal procedures."

The defense asserted, "Reading the contents in oral arguments is effectively the same as doing so in writing" but the court stressed, "It is difficult to accept the request to prevent citations in advance" while emphasizing the principle.

The plaintiff's side: "Evidence has already been adopted... citing is a lawful exercise of the right to argue"

The agent for SOURCEmusic questioned the attitude of the defense. The plaintiff's side responded, "There is a precedent where Min Hee-jin summoned reporters and spent nearly two hours reading KakaoTalk messages to criticize the other party" and argued, "To now claim that the citation itself is unfair contradicts the principles of fairness and equality of arms." They continued, "The KakaoTalk conversations have already been adopted as evidence by the court. Citing them is merely a lawful exercise of the right to argue, and the defense can contest it."

Next hearing is on Nov. 7

The court summarized the exchanges that day, stating, "We cannot preemptively restrict what statements may arise" and "If necessary, we will judge according to legal procedures." They designated the next hearing for 4:30 p.m. on November 7.

Meanwhile, SOURCEmusic filed a damages lawsuit for over 500 million won against Min Hee-jin last July, claiming defamation, interference with business operations, and insult. SOURCEmusic is continuing the lawsuit, questioning remarks made by Min Hee-jin at a press conference, such as "I cast the members of NewJeans directly," "HYBE broke its promise," and "SOURCEmusic neglected the members."

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-entertainment/2025/08/22/N4D6D6ECWJCWRD7SPLVB7HFQT4/

 

[RandAlThor]

awful lot of work for a > 400k result. that will all be used in lawyers fees.

 

[Selfmate]

awful lot of work for a > 400k result. that will all be used in lawyers fees.

I don't think it's the money but the principle of the matter
I mean there have been cases in kpop where the company sues malicious comments and get same or less or slightly more amounts but still go after those people since it sets a precedent for the future

 

[RandAlThor]

I don't think it's the money but the principle of the matter
I mean there have been cases in kpop where the company sues malicious comments and get same or less or slightly more amounts but still go after those people since it sets a precedent for the future

True, i suspect its as you say. also they can use the judgement as another reason the fired her with cause for causing harm.