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| ▲ Hybe CEO Park Ji-won (L) and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, has issued her first statement since the press conference last month, amidst ongoing legal disputes with HYBE.
In a lengthy statement released on the 19th, Min refuted HYBE's claims that she discussed ADOR's management rights with external investors, clarifying that her meetings with representatives from Dunamu and Naver were private social gatherings, unrelated to any investment discussions.
According to Min, the meetings were prompted by an invitation from an acquaintance, and the presence of Dunamu and Naver representatives was incidental.
She stated, "I didn't even know who they were initially. When they introduced themselves, I learned that one was a representative from Dunamu. They expressed interest in attending because they were curious about NewJeans and its producer."
Min further explained that another attendee, a representative from Naver, also joined the dinner, making it clear that the gathering was purely social. She emphasized that all participants could testify that no discussions about investments took place.
Min accused HYBE of maliciously interpreting a casual conversation between her and ADOR's vice president. She insisted that she never proposed an acquisition to Naver or Dunamu, and invited HYBE to a four-party meeting to clarify the situation.
"We had a vague conversation about how it might be beneficial for both HYBE and ADOR if a company like Dunamu owned ADOR. We knew that this couldn’t happen without HYBE's consent. The discussion was never about actualizing the idea, but it provided a brief moment of relief."
Min also revealed her feelings of being subtly ostracized and harassed within HYBE, likening her experience to that of being a victim of 'subtle exclusion'. She stated, "The conversations between the vice president and me were about finding ways to avoid harassment from HYBE. However, HYBE has twisted these talks to suggest a grand conspiracy."
Regarding HYBE's allegations that she disrespected NewJeans members in private messages, Min dismissed the claims, emphasizing the strong bond she shares with the members. She mentioned, "NewJeans and I have gone through numerous situations together. Our relationship is much stronger than any external perceptions. After the attacks, the members sent me comforting messages filled with love."
Min criticized HYBE for using unlawfully obtained evidence, including forensic data from a laptop she returned two years ago after resetting it. She also decried HYBE for selectively presenting personal conversations in a sensational manner during the court proceedings.
Min concluded by stating her intention to await the court's decision based on facts, as the interim shareholder meeting for ADOR is set for the 31st.
In response to Min Hee-jin's recent statement, HYBE has issued a rebuttal, stating, "Min Hee-jin has consistently masked the core issues with her provocative actions and emotional pleas... We have never fabricated any materials. All relevant documents were obtained through legal procedures, as we informed the court, and we submitted the original documents."
The court's ruling on the injunction request is expected before this date.
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