Min Hee-jin Summoned by South Korean Labor Office for Alleged Workplace Harassment Cover-Up at ADOR

On October 7, the South Korean news outlet Nocut News reported that the Ministry of Employment and Labor had summoned a former female employee of ADOR, who made allegations against Min Hee-jin regarding an alleged cover-up of workplace sexual harassment. Following the victim’s testimony, the Labor Office plans to question Min Hee-jin as part of their investigation.

The former employee, who has identified herself as a victim of workplace harassment, stated that Min Hee-jin has attempted to defame her. She asserted that the former ADOR CEO “intervened in the investigation to conceal”the allegations of sexual misconduct.

“Min Hee-jin interfered with the investigation, attempted to hide reports of harassment and bullying in the workplace, shared my private KakaoTalk messages without my permission, and insulted me behind my back.”

During the hearing at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the victim recounted that when she sought an apology, Min Hee-jin attacked her character by publicly revealing her salary details. She elaborated,

“When I asked for a public apology, all I received was the exposure of my annual salary, and statements labeling me with phrases like ‘You didn’t perform your duties,’ ‘You’re just a high school student,’ and ‘You liked to drink too,’ and Person B filed a criminal defamation case against me.”

Details of the Investigation into Min Hee-jin and the Former ADOR Employee’s Claims

Reports indicate that Min Hee-jin has been accused of favoring Executive A while disregarding the victim’s concerns. To clarify, the victim was taken to a dining venue by an ADOR executive referred to as “Mr. A,”who suggested she engage socially with an important client, before leaving her alone with said client.

The victim subsequently reported this incident to HYBE; however, the case did not proceed due to insufficient evidence. Min Hee-jin asserted that she “scolded”Mr. A and sought to resolve the situation between him and the victim. Nevertheless, the victim left the company, claiming that Min Hee-jin attempted to intimidate her by publicly disclosing her salary records and KakaoTalk messages.

In response, the victim has filed a criminal complaint against Min Hee-jin for defamation and violation of her privacy rights. According to Nocut News, after gathering the former employee’s statement, an evaluation of the ongoing investigation is underway.

The victim has also charged Min Hee-jin with defamation and breaches of the Personal Information Protection Act.

In the meantime, the Labor Office has communicated,

“We must also collect and analyze the findings of the company’s internal investigation from that period. Based on this, we will make a decision on whether to summon former CEO Min and others involved.”

Moreover, it came to light that the Mapo Police Station in Seoul had previously called the victim for questioning in September 2024. Min Hee-jin has denied any involvement in tampering with reports related to the workplace harassment case.

Min Hee-jin has maintained that the victim’s resignation was due to inadequate job performance rather than any incidents of workplace harassment.

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