Min Hee-jin: From Scathing Critic to Saint

Min Hee-jin has proposed forgoing the 25.6 billion won put option payment to end her prolonged dispute with HYBE. This proposal marks the final chapter in the narrative of the "Min Hee-jin press conference" that began in April 2024.

▶ April 2024: The Infamous Press Conference with "Old Man" and "Direct Confrontation" The first press conference was held immediately after HYBE raised suspicions of an attempted management takeover. Min Hee-jin claimed her innocence and vehemently denied the allegations. She emphasized that the core of the conflict was not a management dispute but a clash of creative philosophies, causing a significant stir with her harsh language and direct speaking style.

▶ May 2024: The First Offer of Reconciliation After Legal Victory In her second press conference, after securing a legal advantage, she offered reconciliation to HYBE, indicating her willingness to compromise for the sake of NewJeans. However, the dispute dragged on after she stepped down as CEO of ADOR.

▶ January 2026: Accused as the Mastermind of "Member Parents' Tampering" Amidst a Mud-Slinging Lawsuit The third press conference continued the back-and-forth regarding the "NewJeans tampering allegations." Min Hee-jin's legal representatives argued that the tampering allegations were a distorted frame, suggesting the possibility of collusion between certain external forces and the members' families, thereby positioning themselves as victims.

▶ February 2026: A "Masterstroke" of Forgoing 25.6 Billion Won... Is it Sincere or Strategic? In her fourth press conference, Min Hee-jin proposed forgoing the 25.6 billion won put option payment in exchange for HYBE dropping all lawsuits and allowing NewJeans and their fans to return to a peaceful daily life. She stated, "I want to end the reality of artists who should be on stage having to stand in court."