Min Hee-jin’s Legal Struggles to Reclaim CEO Position at ADOR: Latest Updates and Insights

Legal Setback for Min Hee-jin in ADOR CEO Reinstatement Case

On November 4, 2024, Chosun Biz reported significant developments regarding Min Hee-jin’s attempts to reclaim her position as CEO of ADOR. The Seoul Central District Court’s 50th Civil Agreement Division has barred her from legally pursuing reinstatement due to insufficient legal justification for her case. This ruling highlights the complexities involved in corporate governance and legal accountability within South Korean corporations.

Court Decision and Legal Clarifications

According to the Commercial Act, the role of a CEO is distinct from that of a shareholders’ agreement. Min Hee-jin’s claims against HYBE centered on allegations of contract violations following her dismissal on August 27, 2024. However, the court concluded that HYBE had not breached any clauses in the shareholders’ agreement, thereby nullifying her injunction.

Implications of the Ruling

This ruling effectively prevents Min Hee-jin from seeking further legal avenues to regain her position as CEO. The court underscored that ADOR’s board of directors functions independently and is not compelled to adhere to directives from HYBE, illustrating the autonomy of corporate governance.

Min Hee-jin’s Persistent Demands for Reinstatement

Despite the court’s rejection of her injunction, Min Hee-jin reiterated her request for reinstatement on October 30, 2024. However, the board of directors at ADOR upheld their earlier decision to deny her request. The court clarified that HYBE is restricted from terminating board members who resist their direction during shareholders’ meetings, indicating a protective stance for board governance.

Background of Conflict Between HYBE and Min Hee-jin

The tensions between HYBE and Min Hee-jin began in April 2024, following an internal audit that revealed her alleged conspiration to take control of ADOR. Reports indicated she had discussions with executives from Dunamu and a foreign investor about strategies to undermine HYBE’s stock value, leading to civil and criminal proceedings against her.

Timeline of Events

• April 2024: Internal audit uncovers alleged conspiracy by Min Hee-jin.
• May 30, 2024: HYBE holds an emergency shareholders’ meeting, attempting to exercise voting rights against her.
• August 27, 2024: ADOR board dismisses Min Hee-jin and appoints Kim Joo-young as the new CEO.
• September 12, 2024: Min Hee-jin files yet another injunction for CEO reinstatement, which is denied.

Allegations of Workplace Misconduct

In a related incident, Hanni from NewJeans voiced concerns over her treatment within the organization during a YouTube broadcast on September 11, 2024. She testified about alleged workplace bullying before the National Assembly Audit on October 15, shedding light on the internal challenges faced by talent in K-pop brands like ADOR.

For further details on this ongoing situation and its implications within the K-pop industry, visit the full article from Sportskeeda.