The NewJeans and HYBE controversy involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has gotten much worse. On January 28, 2026, Min’s lawyers held a press conference in Seoul. They completely flipped the “tampering” story. They didn’t just deny the accusations. They launched a major counter-attack.
Min Hee-jin did not attend the event. Her lawyers said she is in “extreme emotional shock” because the families of NewJeans members were pulled into the legal fight. Instead of Min, her legal team took over. They made a shocking new claim. They argued that the tampering accusations were just a distraction. They believe this was a cover for a major stock manipulation scheme.
This isn’t just a contract dispute anymore. After months of audits by HYBE, Min’s team is now framing the situation as a massive fraud against the public. They claim the company used this controversy to artificially boost its stock price. It is a bold move that raises the stakes for everyone involved.
The Uncle Lee Connection and Stock Claims
At the heart of this counter-claim is a shift in blame. Min’s team is pointing fingers at two specific people: a businessman and a man named Lee, who is the uncle of one of the NewJeans members. The defense argues that these men were the ones who actually suggested that the group should leave ADOR, not Min.
Her lawyers presented evidence of what they call a “nationwide scam.” They argue that the story about Min poaching the members was a lie. They claim it was used to manipulate the stock market. According to them, it was all a plan to make Min the scapegoat for the group’s problems.
“The tampering allegations against Min Hee-jin have no substance. This was an attempt at price manipulation carried out by the family of a member and a particular company.” Attorney Kim Sun-woong
Bringing Families Into the Legal Crossfire
Min’s team stunned fans by identifying a member’s relative as a key player in the alleged poaching. They went further, too. They claimed HYBE and ADOR likely knew about the relative’s actions all along. They allege that the labels ignored this to use it as leverage against Min, rather than protecting their own artists.
This is where things get truly sensitive. Dragging family members into the spotlight is a nightmare for the group’s morale. Netizens are already complaining about a total breakdown of trust within the label. They worry that the members’ personal lives are now just collateral damage in this corporate power struggle.
ADOR’s Response: “See You in Court”
ADOR responded quickly, but they kept it brief. They want to stop the public mudslinging. The agency made it clear they prefer to settle this in court rather than through the media.
The company refused to entertain the stock manipulation talk in public. They say their focus is strictly on the financial damage caused by the disruption of NewJeans’ activities. “If Min has any claims to make, she should present them through the court system,” an ADOR representative stated flatly.
The Fan Reaction Over NewJeans and HYBE Case
Fans are all over Twitter. They are dissecting every leaked transcript and voice memo. They are analyzing the evidence from the press conference frame-by-frame.
Some fans still support Min’s creative vision. However, many are just exhausted. Many fans feel genuine heartbreak.
Legal Disclaimer: This article covers ongoing legal proceedings and allegations; all parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
