Min Hee Jin, CEO of ADOR, arrived at the Yongsan Police Station to face questioning over embezzlement allegations made by HYBE. When questioned about her focus during the statement, she responded firmly, “I will speak the truth. The embezzlement claim is baseless.”

HYBE lodged the complaint on April 26, accusing Min Hee Jin of attempting to seize control of its subsidiary, ADOR, through embezzlement. The police interrogation marks the first formal step in an investigation spurred by these accusations. The allegations, which surfaced last month, claim that she misappropriated company funds for personal use.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that she was questioned extensively about her financial management practices and specific transactions flagged by HYBE’s internal audit team. Dressed in a simple, professional outfit, she appeared composed as she addressed reporters outside the police station. Her representatives argue that, given the company’s share structure, a takeover is impossible and that she has never committed embezzlement.

Brief history of Min Hee Jin vs. HYBE dispute

The controversy began when Hybe Labels announced on April 22 that it would audit its subsidiary label, ADOR, and its executives. This announcement included requesting ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee Jin, the creative force behind NewJeans, to step down.

Hybe claimed they had evidence that she was attempting to gain complete control of ADOR and had leaked private information to lure investors. Min Hee Jin owns 18% of ADOR, top executives hold 2%, and Hybe Labels controls 80%.

In response, ADOR released an official statement accusing Hybe’s new girl group, Illit, of plagiarizing NewJeans. According to ADOR, they had raised the plagiarism issue internally, but no action was taken, leading to the audit instead. “It’s not me who betrayed Hybe. It’s Hybe that betrayed me,” she stated.