[theqoo] MIN HEEJIN AMIDST NEWJEANS ‘HIATUS’, BATTLE WITH HYBE… “UNABLE TO REFUTE”

Min Heejin, the former CEO of ADOR who created the girl group NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein), has spoken out regarding the lawsuit with HYBE over the termination of the shareholders’ agreement.

On the afternoon of the 17th, Min Heejin’s legal representative, law firm Sejong LLC, released a statement concerning the second hearing for the case filed by HYBE to confirm the termination of the shareholders’ agreement, which was held at 2 PM in Seoul Central District Court, Civil Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo).

Below is the full official statement from Min Heejin’s side:

Hello. This is law firm Sejong LLC, the legal representative of Min Heejin.

This is regarding case number 2024Gahap80024, “confirmation of termination of shareholders’ agreement” (Plaintiff: HYBE, Defendant: Min Heejin and another), held today at the Seoul Central District Court.

Min Heejin’s legal counsel has already submitted two written statements refuting the illegitimacy of the termination grounds claimed by HYBE.

In fact, HYBE has failed to offer any rebuttal to the illegality of the termination notice that Min Heejin’s side pointed out.

HYBE submitted three additional briefs just days before the hearing, on April 11, April 14, and April 15. Of course, rebuttal briefs to these will also be submitted in due course.

It is important to note that the burden of proof in this case lies with HYBE. That is, it is HYBE’s responsibility to prove whether the shareholders’ agreement was legitimately terminated by its termination notice.

HYBE has made remarks suggesting that they can only submit concrete evidence after Min Heejin’s side rebuts their claims, but this goes against the principle of burden of proof in civil litigation. HYBE should be well aware that it bears the burden of proof regardless of whether Min Heejin’s side issues a rebuttal.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sejong LLC