The already bitter legal battle between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin escalated after reports surfaced that she submitted chat logs suspected of being edited as evidence.
During a September 11th hearing at Seoul Central District Court, HYBE presented what it claimed was the “original” version of KakaoTalk messages that Min had previously introduced. HYBE’s version reportedly included additional lines suggesting the conversations may have been staged, such as Min allegedly telling a former ADOR executive: “I’m going to screenshot this, make it sound good,” “Time to act now, go again,” and “Delete it and rewrite—cut, that’s it.”
The disputed chats date back to January of last year, just before tensions between Min and HYBE exploded into public view. At the time, Min claimed the conversations reflected pressure and harassment by HYBE executives toward her and ADOR’s senior staff, framing it as part of the circumstances that led to her stepping down as CEO.
The trial, overseen by the Seoul Central District Court, combines two suits: Min and two others suing HYBE over a 26 billion KRW (approx. $19 million USD) put option stock purchase claim, and HYBE’s counterclaim to terminate their shareholder agreement.
The controversy over the KakaoTalk logs is expected to ripple beyond this case. The chat records have already been admitted as evidence in related lawsuits, including Source Music’s damages suit against Min over alleged defamation over LE SSERAFIM, obstruction of business, and insult. Last month, that court accepted the KakaoTalk messages into the record, drawing attention as a potentially pivotal factor in multiple proceedings tied to Min.
>> HYBE and Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin Return to Court for Third Hearing
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