ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, on the 26th began the first hearing in a damages suit worth about 43 billion won against Danielle, one of her family members, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin (now CEO of ooak), among others. Danielle's side said in court that ADOR is prolonging the case and requested an expedited proceeding.
The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 31 (presiding judge Nam In-soo, Director General judge) held the first preparatory hearing on this day for the damages suit that ADOR filed against Danielle's side and former CEO Min.
At the preparatory hearing, Danielle's side said, "In particular, from Danielle's position among the defendants, she is an idol. So if the lawsuit is prolonged, she inevitably suffers harm. It is the most radiant period as an idol," adding, "The plaintiff (ADOR) is an entertainment agency and knows this fact, so it seems to be delaying the lawsuit. It did not target only Danielle, but also filed against the mother, who is unrelated to the exclusive contract, and against Min Hee-jin."
They continued, "Not long ago, in an opinion brief, we asked to move this preparatory hearing two months later, and it seems the plaintiff is trying to drag this lawsuit out," and said, "We request that this case proceed with a prompt and focused hearing." They also said, "Because the plaintiff brought this case, it should already have an evidentiary plan. The issues have been revealed and much of the evidence has also come to light," adding, "There is no need to prolong this case to obtain evidence."
ADOR notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract in Dec. last year and then filed this lawsuit. At the time, ADOR said, "We plan to hold legally accountable one member of Danielle's family and former CEO Min Hee-jin, who bear significant responsibility for causing this dispute and for NewJeans' departure and delayed return."
This lawsuit is an extension of the exclusive contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR. In Nov. 2024, NewJeans members asserted termination of the contract, citing ADOR's breach of the exclusive contract, and in Dec. the same year ADOR filed a suit seeking confirmation of the contract's validity. The court found the exclusive contract valid and sided with ADOR.
Afterward, Haerin, Hye-in, and Hanni decided to return to ADOR, and Min-ji was reported to be discussing a path to return. In contrast, ADOR notified Danielle of termination of the exclusive contract and is separately seeking damages.
The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 31, which is hearing this case, last month dismissed HYBE's claim in a suit seeking confirmation of termination of a shareholders' agreement against former CEO Min, and in a separate suit over payment for the exercise of a put option (stock purchase claim), ordered HYBE to pay former CEO Min 25.5 billion won. HYBE appealed.