Legal Battle Between Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and Ex-Employees Heads to Trial in March

After a failed mediation attempt, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and a former employee, A, will face off in court on March 17, 2025, over a 100 million won defamation lawsuit.

• A alleges that Min covered up sexual harassment by Ador’s vice president.

• A has also filed legal complaints against Min for defamation, labor violations, and unfair workplace practices.

• The court approved the seizure of Min’s real estate as a precaution in case she loses the lawsuit.

Min, facing 2.3 billion won in legal fees, has stated she may have to sell her house but remains determined to fight the case. The trial is expected to bring further scrutiny to workplace rights and corporate accountability in the K-pop industry.

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After an unsuccessful mediation attempt, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and a former Ador employee, identified as A, will proceed to trial in March over a defamation lawsuit.

The 51st Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court had initially referred the 100 million won ($75,000) defamation lawsuit—filed by A against Min Hee-jin—to mediation on November 28, 2024. However, the mediation attempt failed, and the case is now returning to a full trial.

At the time of mediation, A stated they would agree to a settlement if Min Hee-jin admitted to wrongdoing and apologized. However, Min Hee-jin’s legal team responded, "We cannot admit to all the claims, so we do not intend to participate in mediation."

Following the failed mediation, A shared their frustration on social media, stating:
"I attended today's mediation session for my civil damages lawsuit against Min Hee-jin. Only the lawyers from her side showed up. Since they refused to acknowledge anything, mediation was impossible. Now, we wait for the trial."

The court has scheduled the first hearing for the main lawsuit on March 17, 2025.

Background: Allegations and Legal Actions

The lawsuit was filed in August 2024, and on September 23, the court approved the seizure of Min Hee-jin’s real estate—valued at 100 million won—as a precautionary measure to ensure payment capacity if A wins the case.

The dispute began when A accused Min Hee-jin of covering up a sexual harassment case involving Ador’s vice president. A claimed that while working at Ador, they were sexually harassed by the vice president and that Min Hee-jin attempted to suppress the allegations.

Following this, A filed:

• A defamation lawsuit against Min Hee-jin in August 2024 through the Mapo Police Station in Seoul.

• A labor rights complaint with the Seoul Western Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, alleging unfair labor practices and labor-management irregularities at Ador.

What Happens Next?

Although a seizure order has been placed on Min Hee-jin’s property, this does not mean immediate asset liquidation. Seizure is a precautionary legal measure that temporarily freezes a debtor’s assets until a court decision is made. If A wins the case and Min Hee-jin fails to pay damages, the court may proceed with liquidation of the seized property to compensate A.

Meanwhile, Min Hee-jin has publicly commented on her mounting legal costs. During her appearance at the 2024 Hyundai Card Da Vinci Motel event, she stated:
"The legal fees have reached 2.3 billion won. I might have to sell my house because of this. But I thought, ‘Isn’t this why I had a house?’ If I didn’t have money, would I even be able to fight? I’m grateful that I don’t have a husband or children, and I’m grateful my parents are doing well."

As the trial date approaches, this high-profile legal battle continues to draw attention, raising broader discussions on workplace rights, corporate accountability, and defamation laws in South Korea.

source: https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003307859