Min Hee-jin will speak at a Gwangju event on May 18, discussing K-Culture and its ties to democracy, amid ongoing legal disputes.
May/10/2026 14:42
Min Hee-jin, the representative of ooak records, will take the stage at the 46th anniversary event of the democratization movement on May 18 (5.18 democratization movement). Recently, she has been in the midst of legal disputes with HYBE and related companies, but her appearance in an official setting is attracting attention. The Chonnam National University 5.18 Research Institute announced that it will hold a special lecture on the 12th at the Yongji Hall Convention Center of Chonnam National University in Gwangju. This event is planned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the institute and the 46th anniversary of the 5.18 democratization movement, with the theme "Imagining K-Culture, K-POP in Gwangju!" Various discussions will be held regarding the value of K-Culture and K-POP, which have established themselves as global cultural phenomena, and how they relate to the spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace in Gwangju. The institute explained that Gwangju is not just a historical space but a city with cultural imagination and creativity. After her lecture on this day, Min Hee-jin will hold a Q&A session with Professor Park Gyu-young. The entire event is expected to last about 100 minutes. She has previously worked as a creative director at SM Entertainment, planning concepts for SHINee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet, and is credited with significantly influencing the visuals and worldview of K-POP. After that, as the CEO of ADOR, she managed NewJeans, creating a global sensation. She is currently continuing her unique path by establishing a new entertainment company, ooak records, and is reportedly preparing to launch a new boy group. However, Min Hee-jin is currently facing multiple legal disputes, including a put option-related lawsuit worth 25 billion won (approximately 25 million USD) with HYBE, and a 43 billion won (approximately 43 million USD) damage compensation lawsuit regarding exclusive contracts with ADOR and NewJeans. On the 15th, a hearing date for a damage compensation lawsuit filed by SOURCE MUSIC and BELIFT LAB is also scheduled. ADOR, Min Hee-jin & NewJeans Daniel's family has had real estate temporarily seized for a total of 7 billion won. Min Hee-jin partially won a damage compensation lawsuit against malicious internet users.
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