HYBE levels data breach accusations against Ador CEO Min Hee-jin
South Korean entertainment powerhouse, HYBE, has reportedly found evidence of a significant data breach by ADOR's CEO, Min Hee-jin. The allegations were made public on Saturday through a video posted by "Entertainment Vice President Lee Jin-ho" on his YouTube channel. The video titled Min Hee-jin's NewJeans Contract Termination Rights, a Creepy Twist explores the contentious issue of terminating exclusive contracts with ADOR artists—an action allegedly initiated by Min herself.
Why does this story matter?
On Saturday, Shin & Kim Law Firm—representing ADOR—provided a new update. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Min demanded the "right to terminate the agency's contract with NewJeans members" without approval from its board. This request was among the changes she sought in her shareholder's contract with HYBE on February 16. Additionally, she called for revisions to clauses regarding her shares of ADOR, which she argued constituted a "slave contract."
Lee questioned Min's contract termination logic
In the video, Lee scrutinizes the rationale behind Min's actions, questioning her decision to invest 16B won (approximately $13.6B) and give members an 18% stake. "Is there a difference between the right to terminate the exclusive contract? Does this make sense?" he asks. Additionally, he casts doubt on a supposed "KakaoTalk conversation" where Min allegedly agreed to "convert ADOR into a shell company," an action Lee deems inappropriate.
Lee accused Min of leaking HYBE's sensitive data
Adding to the controversy, Lee revealed in his interview that "the data that has appeared in the media is not everything." He accused Min of leaking not only HYBE's sensitive internal data but also ADOR's employee information to an external party. Despite not directly implementing her plan to turn ADOR into a shell company, Lee suggested these actions could lead to discussions about Min's potential resignation. He added, "These contents can only be concluded through actual negotiations in court."
Here's how Korean netizens reacted to Lee's claims
Newsen reported on the reactions of South Korean netizens to these allegations. One user expressed skepticism, stating, "HYBE never releases their facts, only random pieces of bits and things pieced together." Another suggested, "Fight this out in court. Unless Bang Si-hyuk (Chairperson of HYBE) is going to open his own press conference and reveal every piece that they have to the public like Min did, I don't want to hear anything about it."
