HYBE has gained a significant advantage in its ongoing legal battle against Min Hee-jin. On May 27, 2026, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office decided not to indict HYBE and BELIFT LAB executives over criminal complaints filed by former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, closing out this part of the case without charges. The media reported this legal development on June 11, 2026.
How the Shaman Evidence Shaped the Prosecutors’ Decision
This ruling settles the main problems that caused all the intense conflict surrounding ADOR back in 2024. “Prosecutors found that the public statements HYBE made in April 2024 were based on information they collected during their internal audit. Also, including evidence that Min had consulted with a shaman about company business.”
During an internal audit of ADOR, HYBE discovered KakaoTalk chat logs between Min Hee-jin and an individual described as a shaman. HYBE publicly alleged that Min had been relying on this person to influence major corporate decisions, including company management and BTS’s military service. Min Hee-jin filed criminal complaints for defamation and obstruction of business against HYBE executives, arguing that these claims were false and intended to harm her reputation.
Prosecutors also reportedly felt that HYBE’s use of the term ‘shamanic management’ was an exaggeration, but it did not cross the line into criminal defamation. The underlying claims were not legally “false.” Investigators confirmed that Min had indeed discussed management matters with a shaman on multiple occasions.
HYBE’s April 2024 Audit
The authorities seem to have applied that same reasoning to the audit process itself. On April 22, 2024, HYBE started an audit of ADOR, accusing Min and other leaders of trying to take over the company and demanding that she step down. Min denied those allegations and argued that HYBE had defamed her and interfered with her work. But prosecutors reportedly found that HYBE was legally allowed to review those internal emails and messages as part of their audit process.
ILLIT Plagiarism Claims Ruled as Opinion
Prosecutors also decided not to charge any BELIFT LAB executives, clearing them of the criminal complaints filed by Min Hee-jin. The complaints about ILLIT’s plagiarism were dropped because investigators decided that BELIFT LAB was just sharing their opinion, not spreading criminal lies.
The intensity of this conflict has faded since 2024, a year marked by constant chaos, including the HYBE audit, Min Hee-jin’s public defense, her removal as CEO, and the members of NewJeans calling for her reinstatement. By late 2025 and early 2026, the main focus shifted to the NewJeans’ contracts and the shareholder conflict.
The Settlement HYBE Refused
The situation changed even more after February 12, 2026, when Min won her legal case, and a judge ordered HYBE to pay her approximately 25.5 billion won. She later offered to give up the money if HYBE dropped its lawsuits. HYBE said no.
