This is seen not merely as a concession but a strategically calculated choice.
Analysts suggest this provides a rationale for Okay Records to focus on future projects.
Min Hee-jin, the representative of Okay Records, suggested to end all lawsuits with HYBE by declaring she would forgo a payment of 256 billion won. While this appears to be a generous choice on the surface, analyzing the figures reveals it is not simply an act of yielding.
In a press conference held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, she proposed to drop all lawsuits against herself, the New Jeans members, and related personnel in exchange for the relinquishment of the 256 billion won compensation, emphasizing values that supersede monetary gain and the importance of artist protection and industry harmony.
However, the amount of 256 billion won is not immediately available cash, as the court has suspended enforcement of payment following HYBE's request. The appeals and further legal processes could stretch over years, and thus, the figure she is willing to forgo appears to be more of a long-term claim rather than a current asset. Contrastingly, the total claims in the ongoing litigations involving her amount to over 466 billion won, a significant sum greater than the amount she is willing to relinquish.
Min Hee-jin's proposal should be seen not merely as a renunciation but rather as a strategically calculated choice. The fact that the total litigation value stands at 466 billion won provides her with a rationale to pursue new business opportunities, potentially rendering this a favorable decision in the long run.
The clear intention to resolve the lawsuits early to prevent the erosion of both artist and personal images aligns with Okay Records' future goal of launching a boy group, suggesting that Min has a concrete vision for her endeavors.
In essence, this meticulous approach towards legal disputes reflects consideration for not only her personal image but also for the future of the company, aiming to maintain trust in relationships with artists and pursue a path of mutual benefit.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB