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Min Hee Jin Addresses Lawsuits And Makes Proposal To HYBE At Press Conference
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February Movie Star Brand Reputation Rankings Announced
Taemin Parts Ways With Big Planet Made
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Min Hee Jin Addresses Lawsuits And Makes Proposal To HYBE At Press Conference
Min Hee Jin proposed that HYBE bring all cases to an end in exchange for her giving up the 25.6 billion won she is supposed to receive through her put option. On the afternoon of February 25, Min Hee Jin, CEO of ooak records, held a press conference, where she personally addressed the outcome of the first trial and ooak records’ future plans. Hello. This is Min Hee Jin. First, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to the court for taking the time over this long period to examine the essence of the case and for clearly confirming the truth through its ruling. From our victory in the 2024 injunction proceedings to the police decision in 2025 not to forward the case to the prosecution, and now to this victory in today’s 2026 first trial sentence—it has truly been a long tunnel. The court has made clear that the sensational framing of “a management-control takeover” and “tampering” was nothing but an illusion, and it recognized that the concerns I raised regarding creative ethics were, as the head of a company, legitimate management judgments I was duty-bound to make. This outcome of the lawsuit felt to me like comfort that washed away the wounds of the past two years. At the same time, I feel a sense of indebtedness for the fatigue I unintentionally caused the public throughout this process. Now, I intend to repay that debt with a new vision for a new era of K-pop. The reason I am standing here today is to tell you that I have decided to exchange the 25.6 billion won (approximately $17,856,000) I would receive as the price of winning for something else—something of greater value. 25.6 billion won is an enormous amount that most people could hardly ever come into contact with even if they devoted their entire lives to it. And for me, having just announced a new beginning, it is also an incredibly precious resource. But because there is a value I desire far more earnestly than this massive sum, I have called this press conference to make a meaningful proposal to HYBE. Of all the reasons behind this decision, the NewJeans members are the most urgent and heartfelt reason. In exchange for relinquishing the 25.6 billion won, I propose that we immediately halt all ongoing civil and criminal litigation and bring all disputes to a complete close. This proposal includes not only me personally but also the NewJeans members, our outsourced partner companies, all former ADOR employees—and even the termination of every complaint and accusation directed at the fandom that has been drawn into this fight and hurt along the way. Only when all of these legal disputes come to an end will there be no further reckless noise and conflict—not only for the artists but for their families and the fandom as well. I can no longer stand by and watch the reality in which five members, who should be happily on stage, are forced into a situation where someone is on the stage while someone else is in the courtroom. The members on stage will suffer, and not only the fans watching this unfold but no one at all can view this situation with happiness. And with hearts torn to pieces like this, you can never create good culture. As I have said many times, there are many values more important to me than money. Now that my sincerity has been confirmed, I want to show the world that there are values more precious than money. I hope that this decision—to trade the enormous sum of 25.6 billion won for other values—will be transformed into broader progress and reconciliation across the K-pop industry. The place HYBE and I belong is not the courtroom but the stage of creation. When I launched NewJeans, I had a creative vision. I’m deeply saddened that I couldn’t see it through to the end—but precisely because of that, I ask that the current ADOR make it a reality to keep the promise mentioned in court: “If NewJeans returns, we will treat them well.” Please create an environment where all five NewJeans members can come together and freely pursue their dreams to their hearts’ content. Opening a path for the artists to shine again—that is the only role adults should be playing. To me, 25.6 billion won is not greater than the value of restoring a healthy K-pop ecosystem and the artists’ peaceful everyday lives. Now, I hope all of us will do our best on our respective paths so that we can offer fans an even better stage. I propose that we adults return to our proper place—competing not in courtrooms but through our abilities in music and on stage. The longer this dispute drags on, the more the ones who suffer together are the artists—the true protagonists of this industry. HYBE and Chairman Bang Si Hyuk: now, let’s meet not in court but in the place of creation. In an era when corporate responsibility has become more stringent—such as with the July 2025 amendment to the Commercial Act—choosing reconciliation and removing risk from the entertainment industry will be the wisest management decision for shareholders and fans alike. I will now take off the label of “former ADOR CEO” and walk a new path as the “CEO of ooak records.” Going forward, I will pour all of my energy into nurturing new artists who can represent the K-pop industry and into building businesses with a new direction. To all members of the press who came to this conference despite your busy schedules, thank you. I hope there will be no more wasteful press conferences after today. From now on, I will meet you not in a press conference hall and not in a courtroom but on the stage of creation. And I will devote myself to what I do best: creative work. I sincerely hope that my heartfelt message today is conveyed and that it becomes a turning point where the entire K-pop industry can breathe healthily again. Today, the KOSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) broke through 6,000. I hope HYBE will give this proposal—so that we can coexist and thrive together—serious and forward-looking consideration. Thank you. Earlier this month, the Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam In Soo) ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin in the lawsuit she filed against HYBE seeking payment of the purchase price for shares. The court ordered HYBE to pay Min Hee Jin 25.5 billion won and also to pay 1.7 billion won and 1.4 billion won, respectively, to two of Min Hee Jin’s close associates—Mr. Shin, a former ADOR vice president and Mr. Kim, a former director—who had jointly notified HYBE of their exercise of put options. Top Photo Credit: Xportsnews
5 K-Pop Idols Whose Recent Renaissance Proves It’s Never Too Late To Find Your It Girl Era
Not every idol finds their peak popularity right at debut. For some idols, it takes K-pop fans a bit of time to recognize just how incredible they are! As long as they stay true to themselves, their renaissance is on the horizon. Here’s proof that patience builds an It Girl even stronger! IVE’s Gaeul The oldest member of IVE, Gaeul is the group’s main dancer. However, she’s been garnering attention recently with her It Girl energy—thanks in part to her incredible visuals! Her soft features make her look ethereal, and she’s shining in IVE’s latest comeback. It’s good to see her getting the love she deserves! NMIXX’s Jiwoo NMIXX’s Jiwoo packs some serious dance and rap skills. However, she’s recently blossomed as NMIXX’s up-and-coming It Girl with her confidence and visuals! Her wide eyes and small face make her look like a fairy, and fans love her heart-shaped smile. She deserves every ounce of the popularity that she’s gained! ILLIT’s Yunah Yunah, ILLIT’s oldest member, has a chic and refined look that can be at odds with ILLIT’s bouncy, bright concept. In the group’s most recent era, Yunah’s flawless visuals really shine! She’s become a new It Girl on the scene with her sharp eyes and femme fatale charm. Not everyone can be as cool as Yunah! aespa’s Giselle aespa’s main rapper, Giselle, has garnered a global fanbase for her charms both onstage and off. Not only is she a great performer, but she’s the epitome of cool girl! Her Instagram posts speak to a personal style that just can’t be recreated. She really shines with aespa’s recent concepts and shot into stardom! TWICE’s Jihyo TWICE’s leader, a vocal queen, and a dance queen—not everyone is doing it like Jihyo! Her tanned skin and muscular figure have amassed her a massive following. She’s casually cool but also shows endless passion for performing on the stage. Jihyo has been putting in the work since day one, and It Girl status has been achieved!
TWICE's Mina To Sit Out Philadelphia Concert Due To Health
TWICE’s Mina will not be performing at the group’s concert in Philadelphia tonight. On February 24 local time, JYP Entertainment officially announced that Mina would be sitting out the Philadelphia stop of TWICE’s “THIS IS FOR” world tour due to health concerns. The agency’s full English statement is as follows: Hello, this is JYP Entertainment. We regret to inform you that Mina of TWICE will be unable to participate in the TWICE <THIS IS FOR> WORLD TOUR in Philadelphia due to health reasons (poor health condition). Mina truly wished to take part and was very eager to meet ONCE. She made every effort to rest during the VIP Sound Check in hopes of joining the main show. However, following careful discussion and thorough consideration on site, it was determined that she requires sufficient rest and recovery. It was ultimately decided that she would not take part in today’s show. This decision was made with the artist’s health as our top priority, and we kindly ask for your understanding. We sincerely apologize to fans who had been looking forward to the show, and we thank you for your continued love and warm support. Mina will prioritize her recovery and soon return. Thank you. JYP Entertainment Get well soon, Mina!
Chae Jong Hyeop Dishes On "In Your Radiant Season" And Working With Lee Sung Kyung
In a recent interview and pictorial for Elle Korea magazine, Chae Jong Hyeop opened up about his new drama “In Your Radiant Season”! MBC’s “In Your Radiant Season” is a new romance drama about the love story between Sunwoo Chan (Chae Jong Hyeop), a man who lives each day like an exciting summer vacation, and Song Ha Ran (Lee Sung Kyung), a woman who has closed herself off as through trapped in a long winter. Chae Jong Hyeop described his character in the drama by saying, “He’s an honest person. Although he harbors secrets and wounds that he can’t tell others, he wants to speak honestly about them without hiding them, so he perseveres however he can.” “He’s a kindhearted guy who thinks that if he’s hurting, others are probably hurting too, so he gladly helps other people,” continued the actor. When asked if he personally related to any aspects of Sunwoo Chan’s pain or experiences, Chae Jong Hyeop replied, “I did. Perhaps it’s because I took the logline ‘What season of your life are you in right now?’ as a question being asked to oneself, but I was reminded a lot of the time I spent studying abroad.” As for his experience working with Lee Sung Kyung, Chae Jong Hyeop enthused, “Because she’s so talented, she’s overflowing with energy on set, and she makes the atmosphere bright and cheerful.” He went on to add, “I’m gaining a lot of energy from Sung Kyung and learning a lot from her while filming.” When asked about the most meaningful moment of his life up until now, Chae Jong Hyeop shared that it was “when I first discovered something I ‘wanted to do.’” He explained, “It wasn’t planned, but I was lucky enough to wind up doing some modeling work in South Africa. That was the first thing I felt that I wanted to do, and that was when my world went from monochrome to color.” In response to a question about how he comforts himself emotionally, Chae Jong Hyeop replied, “When I suddenly depart for a new environment and immerse myself in the customs and lifestyle of the people living there, all troublesome thoughts and worries disappear, and I’m simply fascinated.” Finally, when asked what season of his life he thinks he’s in right now, Chae Jong Hyeop answered, “Right now, I’m back in winter. Because I’m working hard to prepare for a better season without getting overly excited, I’m looking forward to the future as if I’ve returned to winter again. No matter what path I walk in the future, I want to start out with the emotions I felt during my debut.”
February Movie Star Brand Reputation Rankings Announced
The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for film actors. The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of 50 popular movie stars, using big data collected from January 19 to February 19. Yoo Hae Jin topped this month’s list with a brand reputation index of 6,959,199. High-ranking phrases in his keyword analysis included “The King’s Warden,” “Park Ji Hoon,” and “Eom Heung Do,” while his highest-ranking related terms included “transform,” “absorbed into,” and “success.” Park Ji Hoon took second place on the list with a brand reputation index of 6,588,953, while Park Jeong Min ranked third with a score of 6,087,216. Ha Jung Woo came in at a close fourth with a brand reputation index of 5,939,239, and Koo Kyo Hwan rounded out the top five with a score of 5,529,576. Yoo Hae Jin Park Ji Hoon Park Jeong Min Ha Jung Woo Koo Kyo Hwan Mun Ka Young Lee Sung Min Yoo Ji Tae Lee Byung Hun Park Shi Hoo Lee Je Hoon Zo In Sung Moon Chae Won Gong Yoo Lee Jung Jae Hyun Bin Kim Woo Bin Hwang Jung Min Kwon Sang Woo Lee Seo Jin Kim Hye Soo Kim Ji Young Son Suk Ku Park Seo Joon Han Ji Min Lee Jun Hyuk Ko Kyung Pyo Son Ye Jin Jung Hae In Choi Woo Shik Top Left Photo Credit: Xportsnews
Taemin Parts Ways With Big Planet Made
SHINee’s Taemin has parted ways with Big Planet Made Entertainment. On February 24, Big Planet Made Entertainment announced that Taemin’s exclusive contract with the agency had come to an end. Below is the agency’s full statement: Hello, this is Big Planet Made Entertainment. We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taemin has concluded. We ask for your continued support and interest in Taemin’s future activities even after the contract’s termination. Thank you. Taemin joined Big Planet Made Entertainment in March 2024 after concluding his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment. We wish Taemin all the best in his future endeavors!