Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has been fined by the Ministry of Employment and Labor for workplace harassment against an employee. While Min Hee Jin had denied the allegations, the government has officially acknowledged that "some illegal actions did occur."

According to Ten Asia's report on March 24, Min Hee Jin received a fine in a workplace harassment case filed by a former ADOR employee, referred to as 'A,' with the labor ministry. The Western Branch of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office, under the Ministry of Employment and Labor, recently sent 'A' an official case resolution notice stating, "The remarks and actions repeatedly directed by the perpetrator (Min Hee Jin) toward the complainant in October and December 2023 exceeded the appropriate scope of workplace interactions and caused physical and psychological distress, worsening the working environment." 

The office concluded that Min Hee Jin's actions constituted workplace harassment and imposed a fine. The maximum fine under the relevant regulations is 5 million KRW (approximately 3,410 USD).

Min Hee Jin was also found partially responsible for interfering in the workplace harassment investigation. Previously, 'A' had reported former ADOR Vice CEO 'B' for workplace harassment and accused Min Hee Jin of conducting a biased internal investigation. Regarding this, the labor office pointed out, "Min Hee Jin contacted 'B,' requesting KakaoTalk messages related to the report, and told Chief Officer 'C' that the allegations were 'one-sided and biased.' These actions violated the duty to conduct an objective investigation."

'A' initially filed a complaint with the labor ministry in August 2024, alleging that Min Hee Jin had subjected them to workplace harassment. Min Hee Jin has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that "'A' has conspired with HYBE and others to falsely accuse me."

However, the former employee shared the ruling, revealing that Min Hee Jin was fined for workplace harassment. The former employee shared the summary of the ruling and wrote:

"Labor Office Results Notification

Today (March 24), I received the official notification from the Labor Office via registered mail. To keep things concise, I have numbered the key points below.

I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me. Many people have been curious about the results, and I have received numerous interview requests, so I am sharing this update. I appreciate your continued support.

1. (Complaint 1) Min Hee Jin was found guilty of violating her duty to conduct an objective investigation and has been fined.

2. (Complaint 2) Min Hee Jin’s workplace harassment (including verbal abuse) was confirmed, and she was fined accordingly. The recognized proportion of workplace harassment was 12%, and the fine imposed is a significant level of sanction, going beyond a simple warning.

3. I gave her four opportunities to apologize and end this, but she refused and instead filed a lawsuit against me. An apology is no longer needed.

4. I will continue to actively respond to both civil and criminal cases, particularly the lawsuit Min Hee Jin filed against me.

5. Regarding the external reinvestigation of workplace harassment and sexual harassment by the former vice CEO: workplace harassment was recognized, but sexual harassment was deemed inconclusive. The Labor Office also had no objections to this finding. No additional fines were imposed.

6. To all real workers, the vulnerable, and victims, fighting (stay strong)!"

SEE ALSO: Min Hee Jin to appeal labor office's workplace harassment fine