Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR and the creator of girl group NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein), has spoken up regarding the ongoing legal dispute with HYBE over the termination of their shareholder agreement.
On the afternoon of April 17, Min Hee Jin’s legal representative from law firm Sejong released an official statement following the second hearing of HYBE’s lawsuit against Min Hee Jin, held at the Seoul Central District Court’s 31st Civil Division (Presiding Judge Nam In Soo). The case is a confirmation suit concerning the termination of the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min Hee Jin.
Min Hee Jin’s side stated, “We have already submitted two written statements refuting the invalidity of HYBE’s claimed grounds for termination. On the contrary, HYBE has yet to respond to the points we raised regarding the illegitimacy of their termination notice.” They continued, “HYBE submitted three additional documents on April 11, 14, and 15 – less than a week before the April 17 hearing. We, of course, plan to submit rebuttals to those filings as well.”
Min Hee Jin’s team particularly emphasized that the burden of proof in this case lies with HYBE, saying, “HYBE must prove that the shareholder agreement was indeed terminated by their notice. HYBE has stated that they can only provide concrete evidence after Min Hee Jin’s side issues a rebuttal, but this contradicts the fundamental principles of the burden of proof in civil litigation. Regardless of whether Min Hee Jin rebuts or not, HYBE carries the responsibility to present proof.”
Full Official Statement from Min Hee Jin’s Legal Team:
“Hello. This is Sejong Law Firm, legal representative for Min Hee Jin.
We would like to address today’s hearing at the Seoul Central District Court regarding Case No. 2024Gahap80024, “Confirmation of Shareholder Agreement Termination” (Plaintiff: HYBE, Defendants: Min Hee Jin and one other).
Min Hee Jin’s legal counsel has already submitted two documents refuting the invalidity of the termination reasons claimed by HYBE.
In fact, it is HYBE that has failed to respond to the issues raised by Min Hee Jin’s side, such as the illegality of their termination notice.
HYBE submitted three additional documents on April 11, 14, and 15 – barely a week before the April 17 hearing. Naturally, we will be submitting rebuttals to those as well.
It is important to note that the burden of proof in this case lies with HYBE. That is, it is HYBE’s responsibility to prove whether the shareholder agreement was terminated by their notice.
HYBE has made comments suggesting they can only provide specific supporting documents once Min Hee Jin rebuts their claims. However, this contradicts the legal principle of the burden of proof in civil cases. HYBE should be well aware that they bear the responsibility to prove their claims regardless of our response.
Thank you.”
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