The Seoul Central District Court accepted HYBE's request for a stay of enforcement, suspending Min's seizure order.
Both parties have expressed intentions to appeal, indicating a prolonged legal battle ahead.
[TV Daily] On February 24, 2026, the legal conflict between HYBE and Min Hee-jin, CEO of OK Records, escalated as it officially transitioned into the appeals phase. On February 23, the Seoul Central District Court accepted HYBE's request for a stay of enforcement, thereby suspending the effect of Min's request for seizure and collection orders. This effectively halts any enforcement procedures following the first instance ruling.
On February 19, HYBE submitted an appeal regarding the put option lawsuit, simultaneously requesting a stay of enforcement on the approximately 25.5 billion won judgment. The following day, Min stated that she had initiated enforcement actions against HYBE. The court allows the debtor to temporarily stay enforcement by providing collateral, and HYBE is expected to provide a significant amount of collateral in this case.
This decision shifts the legal conflict from pre-enforcement to pre-substantive issues. The appeals court is expected to engage in an intensive discussion surrounding the conditions for exercising the put option and any breach of the shareholder agreement. The first instance court acknowledged some of Min's claims, determining the amount HYBE must pay.
This legal dispute highlights the influence of Min Hee-jin within the Korean entertainment industry. As a former head of ADOR, she has a proven track record of artist development and planning, showcasing her expertise in this lawsuit. The conflict with HYBE transcends mere financial issues, reflecting Min's management philosophy and sense of responsibility towards artists.
While HYBE is likely to comply with the court's decision regarding the payment, there are concerns about the negative impact such legal battles might have on the company's image. In particular, with the acceptance of the request for a stay of enforcement, HYBE will need to expedite procedures to provide collateral, which is crucial for maintaining its reputation and trustworthiness.
Given that both parties have expressed their intention to appeal, this case is not merely a single lawsuit but has the potential to evolve into a prolonged legal battle. In this context, both Min and HYBE will need to consider adjusting their corporate strategies based on the outcomes in court.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TV Daily
