On February 13, YTN radio broadcast a discussion between reporter Cho Tae Hyun and lawyer Choi Seung Tae regarding the Min Hee Jin and HYBE lawsuit.
Recently, Min Hee Jin won a lawsuit against HYBE with the court ruling that they would bear the legal costs and pay ₩25.5 billion KRW (about $17.6 million USD).
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin Wins Lawsuit Against HYBE
However, HYBE responded by stating they would pursue legal action, including an appeal.
HYBE Hits Back With Legal Action After Losing Lawsuit Against Min Hee Jin
Regarding this, the reporter asked if the ruling would likely change if HYBE is preparing to appeal.
“Conversely, given the nature of the case, the court could take an entirely different approach. While it’s true that there’s a put option, if the trigger for the option hasn’t been met yet, it’s unlikely that the put option itself will be deemed non-existent. Although I haven’t seen the record, I suspect it would be difficult to detrmine that there is a put option. The court likely holds the put option, but if the court changes its judgment on the obligation to buy, then Min could completely lose the case.”
— Lawyer Choi Seung Tae
The reporter also asked, “In regard to HYBE’s claim that Min Hee Jin caused significant losses to the company due to the NewJeans incident, what are the chances of this being accepted?”
“This isn’t directly related to the stock trading claim I mentioned, but I think this is how they should make an argument. I don’t have the specific litigation records, so I can’t say anything for sure, but something along those lines. the lines of, ‘You’re entitled to receive payment for the stock trading, but I also owe something to Min, and since you caused this much damage, we’ll offset that amount and pay you the remaining amount.’
Or, if we reopen a counterclaim and claim that amount, we can settle the difference between the two parties. The amount of damage is a big issue, and I think it’s difficult to make a hasty conclusion given the circumstances.”
— Lawyer Choi Seung Tae