Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin is finally moving forward with her new independent label, OOAK Records. After dismissal as the CEO of HYBE’s subsidiary ADOR, she is venturing out to launch her own label. At the same time, her legal disputes with HYBE and ADOR over the K-pop group NewJeans and the shareholder agreement continue.
On February 3, 2026, OOAK Records opened its official Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and website at 6 PM. Min Hee Jun also released a short teaser video on her personal Instagram and the label’s channels. The teaser features abstract and metaphorical images.
The main content of the label will be released on February 5 at 10 AM. OOAK, which likely stands for “Only One Always Known,” reflects the vision of a company focused on originality and discovery. During a recent interview, she revealed that the label will debut a boy group as its first project.
Min Hee Jin recently stirred controversy during a press conference on January 28. Her legal team made statements mentioning the family of a NewJeans member. She was criticized as some viewed it as aggressive and a disclosure of private information. Min denies the allegations that she tampered with NewJeans. Her side claims the real issue involves a family member linked to a stock market manipulation case.
The legal battle between Min Hee Jin and HYBE is ongoing. ADOR, under HYBE, has filed a lawsuit seeking 43.1 billion KRW (about $30 million USD) in damages from Min, ex-NewJeans member Danielle, and Danielle’s family. A court ruling regarding a 26 billion KRW put option and shareholder agreement with HYBE is scheduled for February 12.
Meanejile, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have returned to ADOR. On the other hand, Minji’s return is still being discussed. Danielle has been removed from the group and is named in the lawsuit along with a family member.
The conflict began in April 2024 when HYBE accused Min Hee Jin of trying to take control of ADOR and NewJeans. She denied this and held a counter-press conference. She was dismissed from ADOR in August 2024.
In November 2024, all five NewJeans members initially terminated their contracts in support of Min. In October last year, a court ruled that the contracts are valid until 2029. The members have since returned to ADOR in stages.
Despite the legal issues, Min Hee Jin is moving forward with OOAK Records. The label aims to focus on unique concepts and new approaches to K-pop. Fans are waiting to see the first projects and artists, which will be revealed on February 5.
