“Stop using him for your clout” – Fans criticise Min Hee-jin after BTS’ Taehyung condemns use of his private chats with no consent in HYBE dispute
On February 20, 2026, BTS’ Taehyung issued a public clarification through Instagram after private messages with Min Hee-jin were reportedly presented in court. The singer stated the exchange took place between acquaintances during an ordinary conversation. The K-pop idol said that it was shared from empathy and that there was no intention to support any party. Moreover, concern was raised that the dialogue was submitted as legal evidence without prior approval.
The development follows a court ruling in the conflict between Min Hee-jin and HYBE. Judges reviewed her claim that ILLIT reproduced the creative identity of NewJeans. The bench assessed whether the statement amounted to a breach of fiduciary responsibility. However, the court concluded the remarks reflected a personal assessment rather than a factual assertion. So, the claim was categorized as opinion.
Furthermore, a report by Sports Kyunghyang reported that the KakaoTalk records between V and Min were admitted during proceedings. In those texts, the BTS member referenced the frequent emergence of plagiarism disputes within the music sector. The artist indicated that such controversies routinely occur. After reviewing related material, certain segments were considered similar.
“(Plagiarism stories always come up; there’s never been a time they didn’t). Sigh… I know, right. Even I looked at it and thought, ‘Ah, this is similar…’” Taehyung reportedly stated.
Following Kim Taehyung’s Instagram statement, fans expressed outrage, saying he has nothing to do with the case.
“That the hell man this is so messed up like – leave taehyung alone. stop using him for your clout,” an X user commented.
Fans are urging others to “leave Kim Taehyung alone,” noting that he has rarely spoken so openly before.
Others are praising V for speaking out so directly.
More about Min Hee-jin vs HYBE’s legal dispute
A South Korean court has dismissed most of HYBE’s claims in its shareholder agreement lawsuit against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and ordered the company to pay ₩25.6 billion KRW, about $17.7 million USD, in stock proceeds. HYBE has appealed the ruling.
The court found that HYBE failed to prove its central allegation of breach of trust and instead concluded the breakdown in relations began with HYBE’s own actions. Judges also rejected claims that Min Hee-jin tried to seize control of management or remove NewJeans from HYBE.
Although she discussed possible independence scenarios for ADOR, those plans were conditional and never executed, therefore not a contract breach. The court further noted HYBE’s stock price dropped sharply after the dispute became public. They recognized valuation estimates placing ADOR between 0.8 and 1.5 trillion won, with projections reaching around 2 trillion won under continued cooperation.
Edited by Shreya Jha