Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin speaks during a press conference in Jung District, central Seoul, May 31, 2024. Korea Times file

Already facing multiple lawsuits involving subsidiaries of HYBE Labels, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin is now accused of attempting to poach NewJeans, a globally popular girl group she helped create.

Allegations of Min's poaching attempts surfaced Thursday, when Chairman Park Jung-kyu of tech company Davolink claimed in an interview with a local media outlet that he had discussed "tampering" with the ex-CEO during a meeting last year.

Tampering, a term originating in the sports world in Korea, refers to the practice of contacting individuals affiliated with rival organizations to recruit them — a move often considered unethical or illegal.

The allegations are connected to rumors that surfaced last November, suggesting that Min and the members of NewJeans were planning to sign new exclusive contracts supported by investments from the tech company. At the time, Min denied the claims, calling the allegations "entirely false."

However, in the interview released 0n Thursday, Park described Min's denial as a "blatant lie," claiming that the two had a three-hour meeting to discuss investment opportunities and strategies to lure NewJeans away from Ador.

According to Park, Min approached him last August seeking investments. He claimed that during a meeting at his home in September, Min asked if she could "take NewJeans with her." Park allegedly advised her that "it might be possible if she left Ador and the company's value declined."

In fact, Min resigned as Ador's board director in November and left HYBE shortly thereafter. Later that month, the five NewJeans members held an emergency press conference to announce the termination of their exclusive contracts with Ador.

Despite the announcement, reports have suggested that differences in investment strategies prevented Min and Davolink from moving forward together.

From left are K-pop girl group NewJeans members Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein and Minji. Their official scheduled activities under the band's current agency, Ador, were concluded on Jan. 5 after attending the 39th Golden Disc Awards. Courtesy of Ador

If proven true, Min's alleged actions could be seen as a breach of her duties while at Ador. Initiating discussions with outside investors about transferring NewJeans while still serving as a director might violate corporate regulation.

Park also revealed in the interview that Min used disparaging language during their conversation, particularly about HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. He claimed that Min referred to Bang as a "pig," even though it was their first meeting.

Min currently faces her first court hearing on Friday in a lawsuit filed by HYBE subsidiaries Belift Lab and Source Music.

Belift Lab, home to rookie girl group ILLIT, accused Min of defamation and obstruction of business activities after she claimed that the group had copied NewJeans' concept. Source Music, the company behind Le Sserafim, also filed a lawsuit over Min's allegations that it had plagiarized the ex-CEO's strategies for launching girl groups.

The future of NewJeans equally remains uncertain, as the group concluded its official schedule with Ador on Jan. 5 after attending the 39th Golden Disc Awards.

Following their November emergency press conference declaring unilateral contract termination, the five members have since refrained from using their group name, while launching a new social media account in an independent move.

In response, Ador filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court in December to confirm the validity of its exclusive contracts with the five members, asserting that the agreements remain legally binding.