The Seoul Central District Court has ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin, former CEO of ADOR, in a significant legal dispute with HYBE Corporation over a put option worth approximately 25.5 billion won ($17.7 million).

On February 12, the Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Nam In Soo, issued the ruling that grants Min Hee Jin her stock purchase claim right against the entertainment giant. The put option represents a substantial financial stake that had been contested between the parties.

The legal battle stems from Min Hee Jin's departure from her role as ADOR CEO, the HYBE subsidiary that houses NewJeans. As a former executive, she held stock options that came with specific rights regarding their sale back to the company under certain circumstances.

HYBE has already indicated they will appeal the court's decision, suggesting this legal dispute is far from over. The appeal process could extend the case significantly, as both parties prepare for continued litigation over the substantial sum involved.

This ruling represents a major development in the ongoing tensions between Min Hee Jin and HYBE that have played out publicly over the past year. The former ADOR CEO has been vocal about various disagreements with HYBE's management approach, particularly regarding the direction of ADOR and its artists.

The financial implications of this ruling are considerable for both parties. For Min Hee Jin, the court's decision validates her position on the stock option terms. For HYBE, the 25.5 billion won represents a significant financial obligation, though the company's appeal indicates they believe they have grounds to contest the ruling.

As this case moves to the appeals process, it will likely continue to draw attention from industry observers watching how corporate disputes are resolved in Korea's entertainment sector. The outcome could set precedents for similar executive compensation and stock option disputes in the K-pop industry.