Min Hee-jin Returns After Defeating HYBE: Everything About the 4th Press Conference That Heralded the 'OK Records Era'

Why you should pay attention now: Min Hee-jin, who won a two-year legal battle against HYBE, takes the mic herself this afternoon. Depending on what she says, the power structure of the K-POP industry and the independent label ecosystem could be reshaped.

TL;DR

• OK Records CEO Min Hee-jin holds her 4th press conference at 1:45 PM on February 25, 2026
• On February 12, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff (Min Hee-jin) in the put option stock sale price claim lawsuit
• This press conference is expected to include an official announcement on the HYBE lawsuit outcome and future plans
• OK Records is also expected to reveal its new boy group launch plans at the event
• Min Hee-jin's four press conferences have become a new way to bring 'management disputes' within the K-POP industry into public discourse

The Facts: What Happened

In April 2024, Min Hee-jin, then CEO of ADOR, held her first press conference alleging that HYBE was attempting a management takeover. HYBE subsequently dismissed Min Hee-jin and declared the termination of the shareholders' agreement. Min Hee-jin responded by filing a lawsuit demanding payment for the exercise of a put option (stock sale right).

On February 12, 2026, the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam In-su) ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the stock sale price claim lawsuit. The court determined that HYBE must fulfill the put option conditions. Following the ruling, Min Hee-jin established 'OK Records' and has begun operating as an independent label in earnest.

Today (February 25), the 4th press conference held at 1:45 PM in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is the first official occasion where Min Hee-jin will personally speak following the first-instance ruling.

Why It's Trending: The Three Reasons

Min Hee-jin's press conferences have always generated explosive interest. After her first conference in April 2024 drew national attention with provocative remarks, the press conferences themselves became a kind of media event.

There are three reasons why this 4th press conference is drawing such high interest:

1. First official statement after legal victory: Immediately after winning a lawsuit worth ₩25.5 billion, both the fandom and industry are watching closely to see what Min Hee-jin will say.
2. New boy group launch preview: OK Records announced it plans to reveal information about a new boy group alongside the press conference, making it a hot topic across K-POP fandoms.
3. Setting the terms of the future relationship with HYBE: Whether Min Hee-jin will address HYBE's potential appeal following the first-instance ruling, and her stance on the possibility of additional legal disputes, will have a direct impact on the independent label ecosystem in K-POP going forward.

Context and Background: The Complete Timeline of the Min Hee-jin–HYBE Dispute

NewJeans, led by Min Hee-jin, built a global fanbase in the K-POP industry with its unique worldview combining 'hyperrealism' and 'Y2K aesthetics.' Where NewJeans will head after Min Hee-jin's independence, and what artists OK Records will cultivate, remain the biggest questions for K-POP fans.

Outlook: Will the OK Records Era Begin?

Short-term outlook (1–3 months): Whether HYBE appeals is the key variable. If HYBE challenges the first-instance ruling, additional legal battles will follow — but from Min Hee-jin's perspective, there is a strong likelihood she will answer the market first with the 'action' of launching new artists through OK Records.

Medium-term outlook (6–12 months): The market response to OK Records' new boy group will be the first test that proves Min Hee-jin's independent brand power. A success could accelerate the 'creator independent label' model as a genuine alternative to reliance on major entertainment companies in the K-POP industry.

Risks: The possibility of the ruling being overturned on appeal, how well the market absorbs the new boy group, and a potential disconnection from the existing NewJeans fandom are all variables to watch.

Checklist: What to Watch for at Today's Press Conference

Reference Links

• Min Hee-jin Previews Today's Press Conference — YTN
• Min Hee-jin Holds 4th Press Conference — Chosun Ilbo
• Background to First-Instance Win in ₩25.5 Billion Put Option Lawsuit — Newsis
• Min Hee-jin–HYBE Dispute: First Half of 2026 — Namuwiki

Image credit: Seoul Central District Court building — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0