The legal battle involving Min Hee Jin, NewJeans, and ADOR has taken another dramatic turn, with newly revealed court testimony shedding light on what has been described as an alleged behind-the-scenes strategy that fueled the group’s ongoing conflict with its agency.

On March 23, 2025, NewJeans proceeded with an independent performance at Hong Kong’s ComplexCon despite a court injunction that prohibited independent entertainment activities without ADOR’s approval. The group also sold merchandise under the name NJZ, drawing widespread attention.

According to ADOR, the company informed ComplexCon organizers of the court's injunction and requested a meeting. However, company representatives claimed they were left waiting for several hours without being granted access. ADOR further alleged that an unidentified man approached and filmed company staff members, prompting concerns over their safety and leading them to leave Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the members of NewJeans and their families reportedly attended the event as planned, with Danielle‘s mother also seen at the venue.

The controversy resurfaced during the third hearing of ADOR’s damages lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court on July 2. Defendants in the case include Danielle, Danielle’s mother, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

Based on court testimony presented during the proceedings, ADOR outlined what it described as ten key elements of Min Hee Jin’s alleged strategy.

According to the agency, Min Hee Jin allegedly directed many aspects of NewJeans’ independent activities surrounding ComplexCon, including stage production, costumes, merchandise, and budgeting. ADOR claimed that large portions of the expenses were covered through funds contributed by the members’ parents.

Court documents also reportedly referenced a consulting agreement related to the Hong Kong event. ADOR claimed that consulting fees were valued at approximately KRW 730 million, exceeding the artists’ guaranteed appearance fees. The contract itself reportedly did not explicitly identify the consulting recipient.

ADOR further alleged that Min Hee Jin instructed participants involved in NJZ profile photo shoots to maintain strict confidentiality until a new corporation had been established, warning that public disclosure could negatively affect ongoing litigation.

Another allegation presented in court involved the creation of a separate organization financed by the members’ parents. ADOR claimed that these funds were used not only for ComplexCon preparations but also for expenses related to future trainee facilities.

The agency also accused Min Hee Jin of facilitating contact with a Hong Kong-based company connected to ComplexCon organizer Bonnie Chan Woo. According to ADOR, NewJeans secretly signed an exclusive agreement with the company, identified as AAO, in September last year while still under contract with ADOR. The company characterized this as an alleged double-contract arrangement.

ADOR additionally argued that the members’ September 2024 livestream was strategically planned. According to testimony presented in court, Min Hee Jin allegedly believed the broadcast would help create evidence for future legal proceedings. The agency also claimed she later encouraged the parents to pursue litigation while assuring them that financial losses would be minimized.

The proceedings further revisited earlier allegations of tampering. ADOR pointed to previous media reports and internal conversations, claiming that Min Hee Jin herself acknowledged concerns about potential tampering while advising that certain activities remain separated from the members.

The company also alleged that Min Hee Jin suggested adding claims regarding ILLIT to NewJeans’ legal arguments, including allegations that some members mocked NewJeans. According to ADOR, these suggestions were ultimately reflected in courtroom submissions.

Another issue raised involved negotiations between ADOR and the members’ families. ADOR claimed that Min Hee Jin encouraged representatives to attend meetings while secretly recording conversations and making demands that were expected to be rejected, allegedly to strengthen arguments for permanently leaving the agency.

The court also examined Danielle’s independent activities. ADOR stated that Danielle was the only member whose exclusive contract had been terminated due to alleged independent commercial work, including a reported collaboration with Emotional Oranges. The company claimed that approximately USD 175,000 had already been invested in production costs before becoming aware of the project.

ADOR further alleged that Danielle’s mother encouraged other parents to avoid discussing certain issues directly with the company and instead consult legal counsel regarding previous matters.

The legal dispute remains ongoing. The next court hearing has been scheduled for July 23, when both sides are expected to present additional arguments and evidence as one of the Korean entertainment industry’s most closely watched legal battles continues.

Sources: Dispatch