The ongoing legal war between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has taken another explosive turn — this time involving leaked private messages with V of BTS.
After portions of V (Kim Taehyung)’s alleged private chats with Min surfaced online, speculation spread rapidly. Many initially believed Min may have leaked the texts to strengthen her legal stance. But her legal team is now firmly pushing back.
Lawyer Says Messages Were Filed Under Seal
According to Min Hee-Jin’s attorney, Kim Seong Woo, the chat records were submitted to the court as sealed evidence in the ongoing put-option dispute between her and HYBE.
He clarified that the legal team explicitly requested confidentiality when filing the documents.
“We requested that the court keep it private. We do not know through what route the sealed evidence was reported by the media,” he stated following a press conference.
In short: Min’s side claims they had no involvement in the leak — and say the issue should be examined by the court and the media outlet that published the contents.
So… Did HYBE Leak Them?
That’s the question now dominating online discussions.
With Min denying responsibility, some netizens have shifted suspicion toward HYBE — the opposing party in the lawsuit. However, there is currently no official confirmation about who leaked the sealed messages.
Online reactions have been intense. Some fans on X have accused HYBE of mishandling artists and using internal disputes for leverage. Others argue that jumping to conclusions without evidence only fuels unnecessary chaos.
As of now, neither HYBE nor the court has publicly identified the source of the leak.
V’s Clarification and Privacy Concerns
The leak triggered backlash from fans who criticized the exposure of what was meant to be private communication. V reportedly addressed the matter briefly, though discussions about privacy and media responsibility continue.
The controversy has once again placed idols in the center of corporate and legal battles — something many fans say should never happen.
Min Hee-Jin’s Dramatic Proposal
Meanwhile, Min made headlines again during a February 25 press conference in Seoul.
She announced she was willing to forgo the 25.6 billion KRW (approximately $18 million USD) payout she won in the first trial — on one condition: that HYBE immediately halt all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits tied to the dispute.
Her stated reason? Protecting NewJeans, the girl group under ADOR.
“I can no longer watch five members who should be on stage stand in courtrooms,” she said, urging an end to what she described as escalating noise and damage surrounding the artists and their families.
However, reports indicate that HYBE later deposited 29.2 billion KRW to the district court, suggesting the financial and legal complexities are far from resolved.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy isn’t just about leaked chats.
It’s part of a broader power struggle between HYBE and Min Hee-Jin that has involved allegations of takeover attempts, reputation damage, and corporate governance disputes.
The leak has now added a personal dimension involving one of K-pop’s biggest global stars — intensifying public scrutiny.
Final Words
Did HYBE leak V’s messages?
Right now, there’s no verified proof pointing to any party.
Min Hee-Jin’s lawyer denies involvement. HYBE hasn’t been confirmed as the source. The court remains silent.
What’s clear is this: sealed court evidence reaching the public raises serious questions — and until there’s official clarity, the debate will only grow louder.
For now, the legal battle continues — both inside courtrooms and across the internet.
