After over a year of legal scrutiny, police have officially cleared former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of all allegations related to business embezzlement. The accusations, originally filed by HYBE in April 2024, claimed that Min attempted to usurp control of ADOR, HYBE’s subsidiary, for personal gain. However, after a thorough investigation, law enforcement concluded that there was no evidence of criminal conduct.
Min Hee-jin, known as the creative mind behind NewJeans, had consistently maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal. Speaking to reporters after her 8-hour police questioning, she emphasized that the charges were baseless, calling the situation “a comedy” and stating she was eager to clear her name. Her legal team echoed these sentiments, asserting that the claims were legally unfounded from the start.
HYBE’s initial lawsuit was part of a broader internal conflict between Min and the parent company. While HYBE had pushed for her dismissal, the court previously sided with Min, temporarily blocking HYBE’s right to vote her out. The ruling noted a lack of sufficient evidence supporting HYBE’s reasoning for her removal, though it acknowledged that Min had explored ways to make ADOR more independent from HYBE.
Korean Reactions: Turning the Spotlight on HYBE
With Min now cleared of wrongdoing, Korean online communities quickly redirected their focus—many calling for investigations into HYBE and its founder Bang Si-hyuk.
Top Korean Comments (Source : Nate)
“Now it’s time to investigate Mr. Bang.” (👍 1,125 / 👎 137)
“She got cursed for nothing—why aren’t we allowed to post this news?” (👍 807 / 👎 90)
“Then why was she removed as CEO?” (👍 732 / 👎 95)
“Investigate Bang Si-hyuk immediately.” (👍 143 / 👎 11)
“Living in this society is exhausting… Spread the word about her innocence.” (👍 137 / 👎 16)
“This is why staying neutral is important. Now rebuild NewJeans and send Bang to jail.” (👍 126 / 👎 32)
“This government hates the crime HYBE is accused of. Watch if they go soft on them.” (👍 105 / 👎 15)
“NewJeans are the real victims here.” (👍 97 / 👎 20)
Global Reactions: Vindicated, but the Fight Isn’t Over
International fans, especially those following the HYBE–Min conflict closely, saw the ruling as long-overdue justice. Many used the moment to criticize Bang Si-hyuk and call for further accountability from HYBE.
Top Global Comments (Source : allkpop)
“So the court ruled in her favor. And now BSH is under investigation for insider trading. Still think she’s the villain?” (👍 44 / 👎 22)
“Hopefully from here, NJZ will only go upwards. NJZ never dies.” (👍 29 / 👎 18)
“We all know who’s going to jail—and it’s not her. HYBE started this mess and got proven wrong.” (👍 20 / 👎 8)
“WHERE ARE ALL THE HYBE INCELS NOWWWWW” (👍 18)
“Anyone who wasn’t biased knew this would happen. HYBE owes her for the hell they caused.” (👍 18 / 👎 7)
“Not surprising. It was already thrown out by the court during the injunction hearing.” (👍 17 / 👎 7)
“Good. Now sue HYBE and BSH. Time for them to face the music.” (👍 15 / 👎 4)
“ARMYs and HYBE stans will pretend this never happened.” (👍 7 / 👎 20)
Cultural Reflection: Reputation, Power, and Redemption
This case highlights stark differences in public accountability. In Korea, reputations are often shaped—and salvaged—through legal vindication and public redemption. Netizens are vocal, reactive, and unforgiving, but they’re also quick to shift blame once new facts emerge.
Globally, fans emphasized systemic power dynamics—seeing Min not just as a cleared figure, but as a survivor of corporate retaliation. For many, her victory isn’t just legal—it’s symbolic.
Whether this truly marks a turning point for Min Hee-jin and NewJeans remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the narrative has shifted—and HYBE is now under the spotlight.