The Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) is holding the first pleading date this afternoon for the damage claim lawsuit filed by Ador against Danielle and former CEO Min. This marks the first time both sides will face each other in a formal trial following a tense clash during the pleading preparation date back in March.
During that previous session, Ador requested an extension of the pleading date, stating they wanted to proceed after the separate put option lawsuit between HYBE and former CEO Min was concluded. However, Danielle’s side pushed for a speedy trial, questioning if Ador was “intentionally trying to prolong the lawsuit” and arguing that “the longer the trial lasts, the more significant the damage to entertainment activities.”
Just before the formal trial, Ador completely overhauled its legal team. They replaced the previous firm, Kim & Chang, with lawyers from Law Firm Lihan. Although the new legal team applied for a date change immediately after being appointed, the court rejected the request, meaning the proceedings will go ahead as planned.
This legal battle began last December when Ador notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract. Along with the termination, Ador filed a lawsuit for damages totaling 43 billion won against Danielle and former CEO Min, claiming they bear “great responsibility for causing the NewJeans dispute and delaying the return.”
