Min HeeJin New Company ‘ooak’ Opens Amid Legal Battle

Former ADOR CEO Min Heejin has officially established a new entertainment agency, ‘ooak (One Of A Kind) Inc.’, signaling a new chapter in her career. The corporate registration for the Min HeeJin new company was completed on October 16, 2025, a move that is drawing significant attention from the K-pop industry amid her unresolved legal conflict with entertainment giant HYBE.

This development comes nearly a year after her departure from ADOR in November 2024, following a highly publicized management dispute. The launch of ‘ooak’ is seen as a bold step, as it precedes a crucial court ruling on the contract validity of the globally acclaimed girl group NewJeans, which she famously produced.

A New Beginning After the ADOR HYBE Dispute

The establishment of ‘ooak’ marks Min Heejin’s first concrete business move since the tumultuous events of last year. The conflict with HYBE, ADOR’s parent company, escalated publicly, culminating in an emergency press conference held by Min Heejin on May 31, 2024, at the Korea Press Center. She laid out her grievances regarding what she termed as attempts to undermine her authority and creative control over NewJeans. The ADOR HYBE dispute has since become a landmark case in the K-pop industry, raising questions about creator rights and corporate governance.

The Significance of ‘ooak’

The name of the new company, ‘ooak (One Of A Kind) Inc.’, is widely interpreted as a statement of intent. It suggests a focus on unique, artist-centric production, a philosophy Min Heejin has long championed. Industry insiders speculate that this new venture will allow her to operate independently, free from the corporate constraints she allegedly faced under HYBE. The formation of the Min HeeJin new company is a clear signal that she intends to remain a formidable force in music production.

Implications for the NewJeans Contract and the K-pop Industry

The timing of ‘ooak’s’ launch is critical, as it coincides with the final stages of the legal battle over the NewJeans contract. The future of the popular group hangs in the balance, pending a court decision on whether their exclusive contracts with ADOR can be terminated. This situation has fueled intense speculation that Min Heejin may be preparing a new home for the members of NewJeans should they be legally free to leave ADOR. This possibility is bolstered by the fact that the members have previously shown strong public support for her leadership. Min HeeJin’s Lecture Receives Warm Support Messages from NewJeans Haerin and Hanni.

Industry Reactions to Min HeeJin’s New Company

The news has sent ripples throughout the K-pop industry. Many are watching to see if Min Heejin can replicate her phenomenal success with NewJeans under her own independent label. Her next moves are being closely monitored, as they could potentially set a new precedent for producer-led agencies and challenge the dominance of established entertainment conglomerates. As the legal proceedings concerning the NewJeans contract conclude, all eyes are on ‘ooak’ and the seismic shifts it may trigger in the K-pop landscape.

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