HYBE Seeks Full Cancellation of Enforcement in High-Stakes Min Hee-jin Legal Dispute

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Quick Glance

HYBE intensifies legal actions against Min Hee-jin amid escalating stock dispute.

• HYBE requests permanent cancellation of asset enforcement measures against Min Hee-jin.
• Min prioritizes artist welfare over substantial financial payout in dispute.
• Litigation guarantee of approximately ₩29.25 billion signals ongoing legal tensions.

HYBE has escalated its legal strategy in the ongoing stock purchase dispute with Min Hee-jin by requesting the Seoul High Court on March 10 to cancel forced execution measures entirely. Previously, the company had filed for seizure and collection orders against Min’s assets, including her bank accounts, and had also requested a temporary suspension of enforcement while appealing the initial court ruling.

While a suspension merely pauses provisional enforcement, the cancellation request seeks to permanently block certain enforcement measures, highlighting HYBE’s serious stance in the dispute.

The background of the case involves a ruling by the Seoul Central District Court Civil Agreement Division 31 on February 12. HYBE’s lawsuit sought to confirm the termination of its shareholder agreement with Min Hee-jin, while Min counterclaimed for payment related to her put option. The court dismissed HYBE’s claim, ruled that Min’s exercise of the put option was legitimate, and instructed HYBE to pay approximately ₩25.5 billion, along with litigation costs.

Min Hee-jin Prioritizes Artist Welfare Over Payout Amid Ongoing HYBE Legal Dispute

Following the ruling, Min Hee-jin held a press conference on February 25 at Kyowon Challenge Hall in Seoul, announcing that she would forgo the ₩25.6 billion payout in favor of other values. Her decision was motivated by a desire to protect NewJeans members and to resolve ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits involving external partners, former ADOR employees, and fan communities. Min emphasized that the focus should be on creative competition rather than protracted court battles, arguing that extended legal disputes ultimately harm the artists at the center of the K-pop industry.

Despite Min’s conciliatory approach, HYBE has deposited approximately ₩29.25 billion as a litigation guarantee to block provisional enforcement, signaling that the legal conflict is far from resolved. Min urged HYBE and chairman Bang Si-hyuk to prioritize music and creativity over legal disputes, suggesting that reconciliation could benefit shareholders, fans, and the broader industry in light of stricter corporate responsibilities under revised commercial law.

The ongoing case underscores the tension between corporate control and creative leadership in K-pop, with both sides balancing financial stakes against potential industry-wide impacts.