Lee Jin Ho Shares Alleged KakaoTalk Messages From Min Hee Jin, Accuses Her of Media Manipulation
Bold tensions between ADOR/HYBE and NewJeans/Min Hee Jin have taken another sharp turn as YouTube reporter Lee Jin Ho has brought new controversy to light. On June 5, just after a court recommendation to settle the dispute, Lee Jin Ho went live with an in-depth breakdown of the ongoing clash involving HYBE and its subsidiary ADOR. The bombshell? Leaked KakaoTalk messages allegedly revealing Min Hee Jin’s attempt to sway media coverage and public opinion in favor of NewJeans.
In his live analysis, Lee Jin Ho presented these private texts, which reportedly had been submitted as court evidence. The chats show Min Hee Jin apparently plotting a strategic media campaign designed to put pressure on HYBE and craft a narrative that would be favorable to NewJeans’ side. These conversations were with former ADOR vice representative Lee, and they touch on big-picture plans involving investors and media manipulation.
One part of the conversation reveals Lee discussing finding investors with massive capital—talk of trillions of won, or billions of USD—who could potentially sway the company’s ownership structure. He explained to Min Hee Jin that a minority shareholder might break the control of a major shareholder if they had the right plan, information, and execution skills.
Lee wrote:
"Hee Jin, today I had a casual conversation with an acquaintance, and we discussed where we might find an investor capable of investing on the scale of trillions of won (billions of USD).
I added that, in the capital market, it’s not unheard of for a minority shareholder to break through the control of a major shareholder and establish themselves as the actual owner of a company. What matters most is our plan, our information, and our ability to execute.
The idea is to strike a deal with HYBE.
We’d offer them our previously invested shares in exchange for ADOR shares.
From HYBE’s perspective, it would also be a win-win: instead of letting ADOR become an empty shell over time, they can sell it for a fair price before that happens." Lee
Meanwhile, Min Hee Jin’s responses reveal a clear intention to use media as a playing field in this battle, hinting at ways to protect themselves if HYBE’s reputation takes a hit, and discussing how to push HYBE toward negotiations by public exposure of “dirty secrets” or odd conditions.
She wrote:
"In the end, we have to use the media. We need to prepare how to distance ourselves when HYBE gets dragged down altogether." Min Hee Jin
And:
"Do you think they’ll give up NewJeans for 800 billion KRW (~590.3 million USD)? It’s only possible if there’s strong leverage, like a dirty secret or a bizarre condition that forces them to negotiate."
As well as:
"Tarnish the reputation of ILLIT or HYBE. Make it public to the outside world. That way, we can accelerate the decision on whether ADOR will be sold or not. If the conversation only happens quietly inside, we’ll end up being sold. We won’t be able to take the lead."
The messages show the pair hashing out a media-focused agenda, with Lee even suggesting organizing meetings with specific media outlets to release content that would paint NewJeans positively while casting HYBE in a bad light.
On June 4, just a day before Lee Jin Ho’s livestream, the court had recommended a settlement between NewJeans and ADOR, but the offer was firmly declined by NewJeans’ team. Their legal representatives quoted the group’s stance:
"The relationship of trust has been completely shattered. We have crossed a river and can no longer return"
As this saga unfolds, the public and fans alike watch closely—this legal and media war looks far from over, with both sides determined to fight hard for control and image.