KEPA Expresses Utter Disappointment With Min Hee Jin’s Lawsuit Win

On February 12, the Korea Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA) issued an official statement regarding the first trial ruling on the validity and termination of the shareholder agreement between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

They expressed disappointment with the verdict in the first ruling and concern that it could undermine the K-pop industry.

This case confirms the minimum order and principles that have been maintained in the Korean entertainment production industry for decades.

— KEPA

They added, “Every time controversy over contract termination or allegations of tampering surfaces, we have repeatedly warned that a breakdown in contracts and trust will shake the foundation of the industry. We are concerned that this ruling will only fuel distrust rather than take away anxiety in the field.”

They also felt that “more important than the actual execution of betrayal, is the direction in which trust was betrayed.”

If tampering was planned, if it wasn’t carried out or discovered beforehand, it could send the message that absolution is possible.

— KEPA

They also raised concerns about the potential for erosion of investment stability.

“In the production field, investment goes beyond mere financing and is a declaration of long-term trust in the system and human resources. The logic of maintaining contractual relationships even when trust has broken down can lead to a decline in investment.

If investment dries up, creative talent and new projects will suffer first, and small and medium-sized companies will decline. The competitiveness K-Pop has built in the global field will inevitably decline.”

— KEPA

KEPA urged the court to “gain insight into the unique characteristics of the industry and the realities of production in future proceedings, including appeals.” They emphasized that “relationships are built on trust, and clear legal boundaries must be established to rectify any breaches of trust.”

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin Wins Lawsuit Against HYBE