Min Hee jin Establishes a New Agency Amid NewJeans Contract Trial

Min Hee jin launches new agency Ooak Co., Ltd.
The move coincides with NewJeans’ contract trial against ADOR.
Fans await the court’s verdict and possible reunion.

The Korean entertainment industry is once again stirred by Min Hee jin’s unexpected move. The former ADOR CEO, best known as the creative mind behind NewJeans, has officially founded a new entertainment agency named Ooak Co., Ltd. (pronounced “One of a Kind”). This development comes just days before the court delivers its verdict in the exclusive contract lawsuit between NewJeans and their former agency, ADOR.

According to reports from SPOTV News and Maeil Business Newspaper, the new company was officially registered on October 16, 2025, with business objectives covering celebrity management, music and album production, digital distribution, concert and event planning, and brand management. Min Hee jin is listed as the internal director, with the agency’s headquarters located in Sinsa dong, Gangnam gu, Seoul, a prime area known as home to many top K pop agencies. The building for Ooak Co. is reportedly under construction and being prepared as its permanent base.

This decision signals the first concrete step in Min Hee jin’s career path after leaving ADOR late last year. Previously accused by HYBE Corporation (ADOR’s parent company) of breach of trust and managerial misconduct, Min had remained silent for months. The establishment of this new agency now seems to reaffirm her determination to remain active in the entertainment industry she helped shape.

The Trial and Heated Public Reactions

The ongoing legal battle between NewJeans and ADOR has reached its decisive stage. The court is scheduled to announce the first verdict on October 30, regarding ADOR’s lawsuit that seeks to validate the exclusive contracts with the five NewJeans members. If the decision favors the members, they may soon join Min Hee jin’s new agency, however, if ADOR prevails, they will remain bound by their contracts until they expire.

Earlier this year, the court denied NewJeans’ attempts to perform independently under the new team name NJZ, even imposing a fine of 1 billion won per member for each unauthorized activity. During failed mediation sessions, the members argued that returning to ADOR would be akin to “asking school violence victims to return to where their bully is.”

The court’s ruling will mark a turning point for everyone involved. If NewJeans wins, they can resume their careers under Min Hee jin’s guidance at Ooak Co. But if ADOR wins again, the group’s activities could remain suspended indefinitely, raising serious concerns about the future of one of K pop’s most influential fourth generation girl groups.

Meanwhile, the news of Min’s new agency quickly became a trending topic on Korean forums such as Theqoo, Instiz, FMKorea, and MLBpark, as well as on X (Twitter). Many criticized Min Hee jin for allegedly timing her public statements and media appearances to coincide with HYBE artists’ comebacks like J Hope and LE SSERAFIM, seemingly to draw public attention away from them.

“Her obsession with HYBE and their artists is out of this world. She always issues statements just to get attention.”

“She mocks the legal process as though she’s above it. Her hubris needs to be shaken by the people.”

Still, others showed support, hoping Min Hee jin’s move could open new opportunities for NewJeans and preserve their artistic identity.

“Praying for our girls. Hoping this leads to a good outcome.”

“Knetz finally putting that mean girl energy towards someone who deserves it, we love to see it.”

Some comments also highlighted the agency name Ooak Co., Ltd. believed to stand for “One of a Kind Entertainment,” as a reflection of Min Hee jin’s vision to create a new home for artists who pursue creativity outside the mainstream mold.

“ONE OF A KIND Co., Ltd.”

With the legal situation still unresolved, the public eagerly awaits the court’s final decision in the high profile dispute between ADOR, HYBE, and NewJeans. Regardless of the outcome, Min Hee jin’s establishment of Ooak Co. sends a clear message that she is ready to start over from the ground up to protect the artistic philosophy she has built since the very beginning.

Source: SPOTV News, Segye Ilbo, Maeil Business Newspaper, Star Today, Newsis, Theqoo, Instiz, FMKorea