"Just Three Letters XXX"… Min Hee-jin Partially Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against Malicious Commenters

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, the creative mind behind NJZ (formerly NewJeans), has partially won a damages lawsuit against malicious commenters. The lawsuit comes amid ongoing tensions between Min and HYBE, following her highly publicized press conference addressing allegations that she attempted to take control of the label she founded. The controversy sparked heated online discussions, with some netizens directing severe personal attacks at Min, leading to this legal action.

According to the legal community on the 19th, Judge Ahn Hyun-jin of the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 202 recently ruled in favor of Min in a lawsuit she filed against eight commenters, in which she demanded 3 million KRW in damages from each.

The court ordered four of the defendants to pay damages ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 KRW each. However, the claims against the other four were dismissed, as their remarks were deemed relatively mild in derogatory intent.

The accused commenters had posted defamatory remarks on news articles covering Min’s press conference, where she addressed allegations of attempting to seize control of HYBE. Comments included phrases like "A psychopath driven by greed," "Just three letters, Mi ching X," and "I feel like punching XXXX XX."

The court ruled that such comments constituted "insulting and contemptuous personal attacks that go beyond mere opinion, lowering Min’s social standing through abstract judgment and expressions of disdain," affirming that she was entitled to compensation for emotional distress.

However, for four commenters who wrote phrases like "cunning b***h," the court found that while such words could be perceived as derogatory, "the mere use of such terms alone is insufficient to be deemed outright defamation, as the level of insult and contempt was relatively minor and not excessively malicious."

On March 7, all five members of NJZ (or NewJeans)—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—attended the first court hearing at the Seoul Central District Court regarding ADOR’s injunction request.

The hearing centered on ADOR’s plea to retain its management rights over the group and restrict the members from signing independent advertising contracts. While their presence was not required, the members made a powerful statement by appearing together in coordinated all-black outfits, drawing significant public attention.

Despite the legal dispute, NJZ (formerly NewJeans) continues to push forward with its music and promotional activities. The group, originally launched under Min Hee-jin’s direction at ADOR, remains one of the most talked-about acts in K-pop, with a strong global fanbase and viral hits that have dominated streaming platforms.

NJZ is currently preparing for its upcoming comeback, with reports suggesting new music could drop in the second half of 2025. Additionally, the group is actively engaging with fans through various platforms, including YouTube and Weverse. Their latest performance and behind-the-scenes content can be found on their official YouTube channel, under HYBE Labels. Recently, the group launched their independent 'NJZ' social media accounts, including X, Instagram and YouTube.

Most recently, the members of NewJeans were spotted attending BLACKPINK Jennie’s Ruby Experience Concert, an exclusive event celebrating her solo brand ODA. Their presence at the concert quickly became a hot topic among fans, especially after a series of photobooth pictures featuring NewJeans and Jennie surfaced online. The images, showing the members posing playfully with Jennie, instantly went viral across social media platforms, sparking excitement among both fandoms.

Fans speculated about a possible friendship between NewJeans and Jennie, with many praising the interaction as a rare and exciting crossover between two of K-pop’s biggest acts. The photobooth pictures also fueled discussions about potential future collaborations or endorsements, as both Jennie and NewJeans are known for their strong presence in the fashion and luxury brand industries.

The group’s appearance at the Ruby Experience Concert not only highlighted their growing influence within the industry but also demonstrated their connections with top-tier K-pop artists. The event itself was attended by a select group of celebrities, influencers, and fashion industry insiders, further cementing NewJeans' status as rising global icons.

Stay tuned as NJZ continues to make waves in the industry, solidifying its position as a leading force in K-pop.