HYBE label ADOR has revised the amount sought in its damages lawsuit against former NewJeans member Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, lowering the claim from KRW 43.1 billion (approximately USD 31 million) to KRW 33.09 billion (approximately USD 24 million).
According to ADOR on June 5, the adjustment came after a newly appointed legal representative reviewed the case and restructured the claims. An ADOR representative stated, “A new legal representative was appointed and, after reviewing the case, reorganized the contents of the claim. As a result, there have been some adjustments and revisions to the amount being sought. We will continue to strengthen our arguments and evidence as the lawsuit progresses.”
The development follows a significant change in ADOR’s legal representation. In April, the five attorneys from Korea’s major law firm Kim & Chang, who had previously represented ADOR in the case, reportedly submitted their resignations.
The first hearing for the original KRW 43.1 billion damages lawsuit against Danielle and Min Hee-jin was held on May 14. During the hearing, Danielle’s legal team argued that ADOR appeared to be intentionally prolonging the litigation process. “The plaintiff seems intent on pursuing this case over an extended period regardless of the outcome, causing Danielle to spend her prime years as an idol entangled in legal disputes,” Danielle’s representative reportedly stated.
ADOR’s legal counsel rejected the accusation, maintaining that the company has never attempted to obstruct Danielle’s entertainment activities. “The plaintiff has never interfered with Danielle’s career activities and has no disagreement with her continuing entertainment work,” ADOR’s representative responded. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 11 at 2:00 p.m. KST.
The lawsuit stems from the ongoing conflict surrounding the future of NewJeans and the departures of certain members from ADOR. On December 29 of last year, ADOR announced that members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni had decided to return to the company following extensive discussions. The agency also revealed that discussions regarding Minji were still ongoing, stating that both sides were continuing conversations to improve mutual understanding.
However, ADOR took a different stance regarding Danielle. The company announced the termination of her exclusive contract, saying it had determined that it would be difficult to continue working with her as both a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist.
The agency further stated that it intended to pursue legal responsibility against one of Danielle’s family members and former CEO Min Hee-jin, whom it accused of playing a significant role in creating the dispute and contributing to Danielle’s departure from NewJeans and delays in her return.
Following the contract termination, ADOR filed a lawsuit against Danielle seeking contractual penalties and damages. Separate legal action was also launched against a member of Danielle’s family and Min Hee-jin, seeking compensation for alleged damages related to NewJeans’ departure and delayed return activities.
The total value of the original claims amounted to KRW 43.1 billion before being revised to KRW 33.09 billion.
As the high-profile legal battle continues, attention remains focused on the upcoming court proceedings and their potential impact on both Danielle’s career and the broader dispute involving ADOR and former CEO Min Hee-jin.
Sources: Daum | 뉴스1
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