The K-pop industry is buzzing with excitement and speculation as former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin officially launches her new music label, OOAK Records. Announced on October 24, 2025, by The Chosun Daily, this bold move comes amid intense legal battles with HYBE Labels and while NewJeans awaits a crucial court verdict on their exclusive contract.
So what exactly does OOAK mean, and what does this new venture signal for the future of K-pop’s most talked-about producer and the beloved girl group NewJeans?
OOAK Records: The Basics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | OOAK Records |
| Meaning | “Only One Always Known” |
| Registration Date | October 16, 2025 |
| Founder/Director | Min Hee-jin |
| Location | Near Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Initial Capital | 30 million KRW (~$22,500 USD) |
| Status | Under construction |
What Does OOAK Stand For?
OOAK is an acronym for “Only One Always Known,” a phrase that reflects Min Hee-jin’s distinctive creative philosophy. The former ADOR CEO revealed this meaning through a series of Instagram stories featuring drawings, symbols, and potential logos for her new agency.
The name captures Min’s reputation for creating unique, trendsetting concepts that have defined K-pop aesthetics over the past decade, particularly through her work with NewJeans.
Business Scope and Vision
According to corporate registration documents, OOAK Records’ business purposes include:
- Celebrity management agency services
- Music and record production
- Music and record distribution
- Performance and event planning
- Brand management services
- Advertising services
- Electronic and record media publishing
This comprehensive scope positions OOAK as a full-service entertainment company capable of nurturing artists from debut through international stardom.
For more K-pop industry news and label updates, explore the latest developments in entertainment business.
The HYBE Lawsuit: What’s at Stake
Min Hee-jin’s legal dispute with HYBE Labels centers on a shareholder agreement and a controversial “put option.” Here’s what you need to know:
In November 2024, Min notified HYBE of her intention to exercise the put option, which would require HYBE to purchase 75% of her 18% stake in ADOR at thirteen times the average operating profit from the past two years—approximately $19.5 million.
HYBE’s Counter-Argument: The company claims Min’s put option expired when she terminated her shareholders’ agreement in July 2024.
Min’s Response: She contends that HYBE terminated the agreement, not her, making her put option still valid.
The court has combined this lawsuit with the dispute over the shareholders’ agreement termination. The final verdict is anticipated in late January 2026, potentially determining Min’s financial future and creative independence.
NewJeans’ Contract Battle: The Clock Is Ticking
NewJeans attempted to terminate their contract with ADOR in November 2024 during a press conference, citing alleged workplace harassment by the agency. ADOR contested this termination and filed a lawsuit to verify the validity of their exclusive contract.
Critical Date: October 30, 2025—the expected court ruling date on whether NewJeans can legally depart from ADOR.
This decision could have massive implications for OOAK Records. If NewJeans wins their case, speculation suggests they could potentially join Min Hee-jin’s new label, reuniting the creative team behind their meteoric rise.
Discover more NewJeans news and K-pop contract disputes at TechnoSports for comprehensive coverage.
What This Means for K-Pop’s Future
Min Hee-jin’s track record speaks for itself. As the creative mastermind behind iconic concepts for artists like f(x), Red Velvet, SHINee, and most recently NewJeans, she revolutionized K-pop’s visual and musical identity.
OOAK Records represents more than just a business venture—it’s a statement about artistic independence in an industry increasingly dominated by large conglomerates. Whether NewJeans joins her roster or Min builds a completely new lineup, the K-pop landscape is about to get more interesting.
For the latest entertainment industry insights and K-pop developments, stay tuned to breaking news and analysis.
Follow TechnoSports for breaking K-pop news and exclusive updates on Min Hee-jin, NewJeans, and the evolving music industry landscape.
FAQs
Q: Can NewJeans legally join OOAK Records if they win their lawsuit against ADOR?
A: If the court rules in NewJeans’ favor on October 30, 2025, and validates their contract termination, they would theoretically be free to sign with any agency, including OOAK Records. However, even if they win, ADOR could appeal the decision, potentially extending the legal battle. Additionally, exclusive contracts in K-pop typically include non-compete clauses and penalty fees that could complicate an immediate transition. The members would need to carefully navigate these legal complexities with their legal team before making any commitments to a new label.
Q: How does Min Hee-jin’s situation compare to other K-pop producers who left major labels?
A: Min Hee-jin’s departure and subsequent label launch mirror several high-profile cases in K-pop history, including Teddy Park establishing The Black Label under YG Entertainment’s umbrella and Bang Si-hyuk founding Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE). However, Min’s situation is unique because she’s simultaneously fighting for financial compensation while launching a competing label, and potentially bringing artists from her former company. This creates unprecedented legal complexity in an industry where producer-label relationships typically end more amicably or with clear separation agreements already in place.
