Min Hee Jin wins defamation lawsuit in Seoul

Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR, has won a defamation lawsuit against several online commenters. The Seoul Central District Court ordered eight individuals to pay damages for posting harmful remarks about her. The comments became a topic after a management dispute between Min and her former company, HYBE. The court ruled on March 19, stating that each individual would pay between 50,000 KRW (about $37) and 100,000 KRW (about $74). No appeals have been made, so the decision stands. This legal battle began in April 2024, when HYBE accused Min of trying to take control of ADOR. She publicly denied these claims at two press conferences. After the second conference, negative comments about Min increased online. She took legal action, stating the remarks caused her emotional distress. Initially, she sought more than 3 million KRW (roughly $2,200) from each commenter. The court found some comments defamatory but awarded less than she requested, aligning with South Korea's laws on emotional damage. The highest penalty, 100,000 KRW, was for a comment that included a direct insult. Other comments, like "cunning," were not deemed defamatory. The court noted they expressed opinions rather than outright attacks. Min's conflict with HYBE led to her removal from ADOR in August 2024. Currently, ADOR is involved in another legal issue, seeking to prevent former NewJeans members, now called NJZ, from promoting. A decision on that case is expected soon.