SEOUL – Min Hee-jin OOAK, the influential producer formerly at the helm of ADOR and the creative force behind K-pop sensation NewJeans, has officially launched a new entertainment agency named OOAK Co., Ltd. This significant move marks her return to the Korean entertainment industry, signaling strategic intentions as NewJeans awaits a crucial court ruling on their exclusive contracts with ADOR. The establishment of Min Hee-jin OOAK comes approximately one year after Min Hee-jin’s departure from ADOR, following a highly publicized dispute with parent company HYBE.
A New Chapter: The Emergence of Min Hee-jin OOAK
According to industry reports and corporate registration details, Min Hee-jin completed the establishment of OOAK Co., Ltd. on October 16, 2025. The company’s registered business scope is comprehensive, encompassing artist management, music and album production, music and record distribution, concert and event planning and production, brand management, and advertising services. This broad operational framework suggests Min Hee-jin aims to build a full-service entertainment entity, potentially focusing on nurturing new talent and overseeing all facets of an artist’s career with her Min Hee-jin OOAK venture. The establishment of this Min Hee-jin OOAK agency is a pivotal moment.
OOAK’s headquarters are reportedly located in the trendy Garosu-gil area of Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, with a new building currently under construction. The company has a registered capital of 30 million KRW (approximately $21,000 USD). Min Hee-jin is listed as an internal director or a member of the board. The name ‘OOAK’ is understood to stand for ‘One Of A Kind,’ reflecting a philosophy of uniqueness and lasting impact, concepts that have often defined Min’s past creative endeavors within the K-pop producer sphere.
Legal Battles and Strategic Timing for Min Hee-jin OOAK
The launch of OOAK unfolds against a backdrop of intense legal proceedings involving Min Hee-jin, ADOR, and NewJeans. Min Hee-jin was involved in a significant management dispute with HYBE, which led to her eventual departure from ADOR in November 2024. She is also engaged in separate litigation with HYBE concerning the termination of their shareholder agreement and put option rights, part of the ongoing ADOR dispute. Furthermore, she recently faced a ruling finding her guilty of workplace harassment against a former ADOR employee.
Simultaneously, the five members of NewJeans are embroiled in their own legal battle with ADOR over the validity of their exclusive contracts. This high-stakes lawsuit is expected to reach its first-instance ruling by the end of October 2025, specifically on October 30th. Earlier legal actions saw ADOR securing injunctions that effectively barred NewJeans members from pursuing independent activities, a situation that has kept the group’s future activities on hold. The mediation sessions between NewJeans and ADOR failed to yield an agreement, making the upcoming court verdict all the more critical in the NewJeans legal battle.
Implications for NewJeans and the Korean Entertainment Industry
Industry insiders and observers are keenly watching the unfolding events, with speculation rife about the potential implications for NewJeans. Should the court rule in favor of the NewJeans members, granting them the ability to terminate their contracts with ADOR, it is widely anticipated that Min Hee-jin may seek to sign them to her new agency, OOAK. This scenario would allow Min to continue her creative direction with the group, potentially reshaping their career path independently of HYBE, and establishing her presence with Min Hee-jin OOAK.
However, the path is not without its challenges. Some reports suggest that the possibility of NewJeans joining OOAK might be slim, especially given the existing court injunctions that have restricted the group’s activities. The legal complexities and the outcome of the pending rulings will ultimately determine the future trajectory for both Min Hee-jin’s new venture, Min Hee-jin new agency, and the career of NewJeans. The launch of OOAK signifies Min Hee-jin’s proactive stance and her determination to remain a significant force in the trending K-pop industry, asserting her exclusive creative vision. The happenings surrounding her departure and subsequent ventures continue to be a major point of interest for fans and industry analysts alike. As the legal proceedings draw to a close, the full impact of Min Hee-jin’s return with OOAK on the K-pop landscape remains to be seen, especially in light of the HYBE lawsuit.
