Developments in the Hybe dispute as authorities affirm lawful access to communications

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Adore, has again had a lawsuit she filed against Hybe and its former CEO Park Ji-won and Chief Communications Officer Park Tae-hee dismissed. Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station reportedly concluded that Hybe’s access to relevant communications was lawful, resulting in a non-indictment in the case under the Information and Communications Network Act.

Min Hee-jin previously claimed that Park Ji-won and Park Tae-hee forensic-examined her work laptop and obtained KakaoTalk messages, which were leaked externally. Hybe countered that Min Hee-jin never returned the laptop, and that the company’s audit of her communications was conducted lawfully.

Investigators found no evidence to support the claim that Min Hee-jin submitted the notebook in 2022, and determined that Hybe’s audit of her work communications was within proper authority. They also found that the notebook of the former Adore deputy who was co-accused did not leave with the deputy’s own consent and was not illegally seized.

Additionally, the KakaoTalk exchanges Hybe secured reportedly include discussions among Min Hee-jin and the former Adore deputy about the independence of NewJeans members. The existence of such conversations is noted as part of the police’s review of the matter.

Min Hee-jin’s legal team said they would file an appeal regarding the dismissal.