Criminal Defamation Charges No Longer on the Cards for HYBE Execs Who Claimed Former Ador Boss Consulted Shamans - because, in Fact, She Did

Why It Matters

The ruling removes the risk of prison sentences for HYBE executives and underscores the high stakes of defamation law in South Korea, while civil battles could still affect the company’s brand and artist roster.

Key Takeaways

• Prosecutors declined criminal defamation charges for ten HYBE executives.
• Min Hee‑jin admitted consulting shamans, invalidating false‑information claim.
• No criminal case found for Belift Lab’s alleged choreography copying.
• Civil lawsuits persist over NewJeans’ contract disputes and alleged poaching.
• South Korean defamation law can carry up to seven‑year prison terms.

Pulse Analysis

In South Korea, criminal defamation is a potent legal tool, often carrying prison terms of up to seven years. HYBE, the global K‑pop powerhouse behind groups like NewJeans, found itself entangled in such a case after publicly asserting that former Ador CEO Min Hee‑jin consulted shamans for business guidance. The claim emerged amid a bitter split in 2024, when HYBE’s relationship with Min soured and the agency’s leadership changed. While the allegation sparked a media frenzy, Korean prosecutors ultimately determined that Min’s shaman consultations were factual, meaning HYBE’s statements did not constitute false‑information defamation.

The prosecutor’s decision also addressed separate accusations against Belift Lab, a HYBE subsidiary, that it had copied choreography and styling from NewJeans for its new group Illit. After reviewing evidence, authorities concluded there was no criminal basis for the plagiarism claim, effectively clearing the ten executives—including former HYBE CEO Park Ji‑won and Belift Lab head Kim Tae‑ho—of criminal liability. This outcome spares the executives from potential incarceration and mitigates immediate reputational damage, but it does not preclude ongoing civil litigation.

Civil disputes remain active, notably a lawsuit alleging that Min, while still at Ador, tried to lure NewJeans away from HYBE, with member Danielle’s uncle implicated in a purported poaching scheme. These cases could influence contract negotiations, artist management practices, and the broader perception of corporate governance in the K‑pop industry. For investors and industry observers, the episode highlights the importance of cautious public communication in jurisdictions where defamation carries severe penalties, and it underscores the lingering legal and financial risks that can arise from high‑profile talent departures.