ADOR, the agency for NewJeans, is officially starting legal proceedings in a massive 43.1 billion won damages lawsuit filed against Danielle, her family, and Min Hee-jin.
The Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) will hold the first pleading date on the 14th for the damages claim filed by ADOR against Danielle, her family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin (currently CEO of OK Records).
Just before the trial, ADOR swapped its legal team. Five lawyers from Kim & Chang resigned, and ADOR appointed Law Firm Lihan as their new representatives. While ADOR requested a change in the trial date, the court appears to be moving forward as scheduled.
During a preparatory meeting in March, the two sides clashed over whether the trial was being delayed. Danielle’s side argued that ADOR is intentionally slowing things down by expanding the scope of defendants and requesting extensions, noting that prolonged litigation can cause significant damage to an idol’s career during their most crucial years.
On the other hand, ADOR denied any intention to delay, stating that this is a lawsuit for damages and penalties and does not directly restrict Danielle’s entertainment activities. They maintained that the structure of the case is complex and requires sufficient review time.
According to legal representatives, neither former CEO Min Hee-jin nor Danielle will be attending today’s trial in person.
Last December, ADOR notified Danielle of her exclusive contract termination, coinciding with the news of Hyein, Haerin, and Hanni’s return to the agency. ADOR filed the 43.1 billion won lawsuit, claiming that Danielle, her family, and former CEO Min bear significant responsibility for the members’ departure from NewJeans and the delay in their return.
Currently, NewJeans members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have returned to ADOR, and it is reported that Minji is also in positive discussions regarding her rejoin.
