Source Music, the agency behind the popular girl group LE SSERAFIM, has taken legal action against Min Hee-jin, the CEO of ADOR, the agency managing NewJeans.
The lawsuit, filed in the Seoul Western District Court, demands 500 million won (approximately $395,000) in damages for alleged defamation, business interference, and insult caused by Min Hee-jin.
The lawsuit centers on three main issues.
Min Hee-jin’s claim that she personally cast the members of NewJeans: Source Music disputes this claim,highlighting that some members of NewJeans were former trainees under their management.
Min Hee-jin’s unilateral decision to debut NewJeans as HYBE’s first girl group: Source Music argues against this assertion, citing evidence suggesting that the debut schedule was delayed by Min Hee-jin herself, and she acknowledged LE SSERAFIM’s earlier debut.
Min Hee-jin’s assertion that Source Music neglected the members of NewJeans: This claim is refuted by Source Music, who has provided evidence to counter the accusations.
The lawsuit further alleges that Min Hee-jin’s remarks during her first press conference on April 25th, where she stated,”We were neglected when managed by Source,” and “All members joined HYBE because of me,” caused significant damage to LE SSERAFIM. Source Music claims that these remarks fueled rumors of preferential treatment, resulting in online harassment and harm to the group’s reputation.
The damages sought in the lawsuit currently account for only a portion of the total damages Source Music claims to have suffered, suggesting that the amount could increase as the case progresses. The agency has reportedly submitted evidence to support its claims, including instances of negative online comments and instances where Min Hee-jin allegedly acknowledged LE SSERAFIM’s earlier debut.
This lawsuit is not the first legal action taken against Min Hee-jin. Belift Lab, the agency representing the group ILLIT, filed a lawsuit against her last month for alleged business interference and defamation. Belift Lab accused Min Hee-jin of sacrificing ILLIT to put pressure on HYBE and of plagiarizing their concepts with NewJeans.
Min Hee-jin has already undergone her first round of questioning on July 9th, where she was interrogated for over eight hours. The Seoul Police Commissioner, Cho Ji-ho, stated that further investigation is needed to confirm all the necessary details regarding the allegations. If Min Hee-jin’s charges are confirmed, HYBE is considering additional civil lawsuits.
This lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing tensions within HYBE and its subsidiary agencies. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of both LE SSERAFIM and NewJeans, as well as the broader K-pop industry.
