SEOUL, Oct 18 — A Seoul court has rejected former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin’s legal challenge against a fine imposed for workplace bullying.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the Seoul Western District Court ruled in favour of the Ministry of Employment and Labour’s Western District Office, upholding the penalty issued after an investigation into allegations made by a former Ador employee.
The employee claimed they were harassed by an associate of Min and alleged that Min verbally abused them and attempted to cover up the incident when it was reported to Hybe.
The ministry concluded that Min failed to conduct an “immediate and objective investigation,” as required under labour law, and imposed a fine.
Min’s legal team stated, “We acknowledge that some elements of the decision were accepted by the court, but we believe there are errors in both the legal interpretation and factual determinations.”
They indicated plans to appeal the ruling through a formal trial.
Min, a former chief brand officer at Hybe, played a key role in launching the girl group NewJeans under Ador, a Hybe subsidiary.
NewJeans debuted in 2022 and quickly rose to global fame with their fresh concept and viral hits, becoming one of K-pop’s most influential acts.
The bullying case has drawn public attention due to Min’s high-profile role in the industry and her association with NewJeans’ success.
Under Korea’s Labour Standards Act, employers found to have committed workplace bullying may be fined up to 10 million won (RM29,580), with an additional fine of up to 5 million won for failing to investigate such incidents.
Min formally contested the fine in April and continues to deny the allegations.
