On July 2, the Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court held the third hearing in ADOR‘s damages lawsuit against Danielle, her mother, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.
During the hearing, ADOR argued that Danielle had carried out entertainment activities independently without the agency’s approval. The company cited several examples, including an attempted collaboration with American band Emotional Oranges, participation in overseas magazine photoshoots, and signing an endorsement deal with an international luxury watch brand. According to ADOR, Danielle was the only NewJeans member who pursued individual music-related activities outside the agency.
The agency also raised concerns about alleged dual contracts involving a Chinese company. ADOR claimed that while the other members attempted to resolve the issue after returning to the agency, Danielle failed to disclose relevant information. In addition, the company questioned the members’ decision to establish a separate entertainment association, arguing that it functioned similarly to an exclusive management agreement.
Danielle’s legal team strongly rejected those claims. They argued that the proposed collaboration with Emotional Oranges never generated any financial compensation or commercial profit. Her representatives also insisted that many of the examples ADOR presented were not exclusive to Danielle but involved activities carried out collectively by all NewJeans members, accusing the agency of exaggerating isolated incidents.
ADOR filed the damages lawsuit after terminating Danielle’s exclusive contract in December last year. The agency maintains that the ongoing dispute significantly contributed to the departure of some NewJeans members and delayed their return, and therefore believes Danielle’s side and former CEO Min Hee Jin should be held legally responsible.
The agency originally sought approximately 43.09 billion KRW in damages but has since reduced its claim to 33.09 billion KRW, according to documents recently submitted to the court.
The legal conflict has also highlighted the different paths taken by NewJeans members following the first-instance ruling in the exclusive contract case last October. Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein have returned to ADOR, while Minji is reportedly still discussing her future with the agency. Danielle, meanwhile, continues to fight her case in court.
Sources: Daum
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