Don't break up NewJeans and I'll forgo $18m payout, says ex-K-pop boss

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete February 25, 2026 at 08:54 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin has offered to forgo a $18 million payout from Hybe, the entertainment giant behind the K-pop group NewJeans, if Hybe drops all lawsuits against the group. This offer comes amidst a bitter feud between NewJeans' label Ador, a Hybe subsidiary, and Hybe itself, following Min's dismissal as CEO in August 2024. Min stated her desire to protect NewJeans from being "torn apart" and emphasized that the group's well-being is more important than the financial settlement. She is also requesting the withdrawal of lawsuits against NewJeans members, partners, former employees, and fans. Hybe has not yet responded to the offer.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bang Si-hyuk 30% Seoul 40% South Korea 50% Ador ×370% Hybe Corporation ×780% NewJeans ×1090% Min Hee-jin ×790%

Keywords

newjeans 100% min hee-jin 90% hybe 90% k-pop 80% ador 70% lawsuits 70% payout 60% contract dispute 60% put option 50% entertainment industry 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: 0.00

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

South Korea

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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newjeans min hee-jin hybe k-pop ador lawsuits payout contract dispute put option entertainment industry

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