The ongoing legal battle between former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE continues, with her legal representatives issuing a strong statement following the second hearing concerning the dispute.
On the afternoon of April 17th, the law firm Sejong, representing Min Hee Jin, released an official statement to address the proceedings of HYBE‘s lawsuit against Min Hee Jin. The hearing, held at the Seoul Central District Court’s 31st Civil Division (Presiding Judge Nam In Soo), centers on a confirmation suit regarding the termination of the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min Hee Jin.
Min Hee Jin’s legal team from Sejong Law Firm made a pointed assertion in their statement, saying,
“We have already submitted two written statements refuting the invalidity of HYBE’s claimed grounds for termination. On the contrary, HYBE has yet to respond to the points we raised regarding the illegitimacy of their termination notice.”
The statement further criticized HYBE‘s recent actions, noting, “HYBE submitted three additional documents on April 11, 14, and 15 – barely a week before the April 17 hearing. Naturally, we will be submitting rebuttals to those as well.”
A key point of emphasis in Min Hee Jin’s legal team’s statement was the matter of the burden of proof. They argued,
“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 shareholder agreement was terminated by their notice.”
Min Hee Jin’s representatives directly challenged HYBE’s stance on presenting evidence, stating,
“HYBE has made comments suggesting they can only provide specific supporting documents once Min Hee Jin rebuts their claims. However, this contradicts the legal principle of the burden of proof in civil cases. HYBE should be well aware that they bear the responsibility to prove their claims regardless of our response.”
Here is the full official statement from Min Hee Jin’s legal team:
“Hello. This is Sejong Law Firm, legal representative for Min Hee Jin.
We would like to address today’s hearing at the Seoul Central District Court regarding Case No. 2024Gahap80024, “Confirmation of Shareholder Agreement Termination” (Plaintiff: HYBE, Defendants: Min Hee Jin and one other).
Min Hee Jin’s legal counsel has already submitted two documents refuting the invalidity of the termination reasons claimed by HYBE.
In fact, it is HYBE that has failed to respond to the issues raised by Min Hee Jin’s side, such as the illegality of their termination notice.
HYBE submitted three additional documents on April 11, 14, and 15 – barely a week before the April 17 hearing. Naturally, we will be submitting rebuttals to those as well.
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 shareholder agreement was terminated by their notice.
HYBE has made comments suggesting they can only provide specific supporting documents once Min Hee Jin rebuts their claims. However, this contradicts the legal principle of the burden of proof in civil cases. HYBE should be well aware that they bear the responsibility to prove their claims regardless of our response.
Thank you.”
What are your thoughts on Min Hee Jin’s statement today? Let us know in the comment section below!
