Min Hee-jin Scores Major Victory: Court Upholds Put Option, Orders HYBE to Pay ₩25.5 Billion

 

Min Heejin has won her lawsuit against HYBE as the court rules in her favor.

HYBE’s claims were dismissed, and HYBE shall bear the litigation costs. Furthermore, Min Heejin’s exercise of the put option is legitimate, and HYBE is ordered to pay approximately 25.5 billion KRW to… pic.twitter.com/MeuVHTYwlB

— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) February 12, 2026

 The post you're referring to from 

@kchartsmaster

(dated February 12, 2026) announces a major legal victory for Min Hee-jin in her ongoing dispute with HYBE.Here's a clear summary in English based on the original post and confirmed recent reports:

• The Seoul Central District Court (Civil Division 31) ruled in favor of Min Hee-jin in the first trial regarding the shareholder agreement termination and her exercised put option (a contractual right to sell her shares back at a predetermined price).
• HYBE's claims and attempt to declare the shareholder agreement terminated were dismissed. The court found that Min Hee-jin's actions did not constitute a breach intended to harm ADOR.
• The put option exercise was deemed legitimate and valid.
• HYBE was ordered to pay Min Hee-jin approximately 25.5 billion KRW (around $17.6–18 million USD, depending on exchange rates) for the share purchase proceeds.
• HYBE must also bear all litigation costs.
• In related parts of the ruling, the court noted similarities between ILLIT and NewJeans, stating that Belift Lab (HYBE subsidiary) failed to sufficiently refute plagiarism allegations, with internal reports substantiating the concerns.

This ruling is from February 12, 2026, and marks a significant win for Min Hee-jin in the financial/core contract aspect of the long-running HYBE-ADOR conflict that began in 2024.HYBE has already stated they regret the decision not fully accepting their arguments and plan to appeal after reviewing the full written judgment.Fan reactions on X are mixed but largely celebratory among NewJeans supporters, with many pointing out it weakens HYBE's earlier narratives (including around management disputes and group similarities). Others note the irony: while Min Hee-jin gains financially and legally here, the impact on NewJeans as a group remains complicated due to separate ongoing issues (e.g., contract disputes involving members like Danielle).If you'd like more details on any specific part (like the put option mechanics, ILLIT controversy mentions in the ruling, or updates on related cases), let me know!