Ex-K-pop CEO Offers $18M Payout to Protect NewJeans from Legal Battles

Min Hee-jin, former CEO of the K-pop label Ador, has offered to give up a 25.6 billion won ($17.9 million) payout if Hybe, the parent company, drops all lawsuits against the girl group NewJeans. The conflict arose after Hybe terminated member Danielle Marsh’s contract and filed claims for contract violations and damages. Following Min’s dismissal as CEO in August 2024, NewJeans expressed a desire to leave the label, but a South Korean court ruled last October that they must honor their contracts until 2029. In a recent court decision, Min won a separate dispute involving a put option, granting her the 25.6 billion won payout, which she now offers to forgo for the sake of the group. Min emphasized that her decision prioritizes the well-being of NewJeans members over financial gain and called for all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits against the group, former employees, and even fans to be withdrawn. Hybe has not yet responded to her offer. NewJeans, who debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of the world’s top-selling acts, are praised for their innovative mix of 1990s R&B and pop. Their legal battle has drawn international attention, with fans urging the company to let the group continue their artistic activities without interruption.