On June 11, the Civil Settlements Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court held the second hearing in ADOR’s damages lawsuit against Danielle, a family member, and Min Hee Jin. The case centers on ADOR’s claim that Min Hee Jin played a key role in encouraging Danielle to sever ties with the agency, resulting in significant financial losses.
During the hearing, both sides fiercely argued whether KakaoTalk conversations involving Min Hee Jin and matters related to Danielle’s musical activities should be admitted into evidence. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court said it would consider the disputed evidence when considering the case.
ADOR argued that the content of the messages demonstrated that Danielle had no intention of maintaining her exclusive contract with the agency. According to ADOR’s legal team: “Min Hee Jin encouraged the NewJeans to terminate their contracts with ADOR and convinced them that they would not suffer any financial disadvantage. He induced them to break their contracts, which constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty.”
The legal conflict stems from NewJeans’ announcement in November 2024 that all five members considered their exclusive contracts with ADOR terminated due to alleged violations by the agency. The group subsequently attempted to carry out independent activities.
However, in October 2025, a court ruled in favor of ADOR in a lawsuit seeking confirmation that the exclusive contracts remained valid. Following the ruling, the partners apparently chose not to appeal and gradually expressed their intention to return to the company. Despite this, ADOR later informed Danielle that she could no longer continue as a member of NewJeans and filed a damages lawsuit against her, a family member, and Min Hee Jin.
Danielle’s legal representatives strongly criticized ADOR’s actions during the hearing. They claimed that Danielle was specifically targeted among NewJeans members and accused the company of using the lawsuit as a warning to others. According to Danielle’s point of view: “From the outset of this case, Plaintiff singled out Danielle, terminated her exclusive contract, and filed a massive damages lawsuit against her.”
The defense further argued that ADOR intended to prolong the legal battle, potentially preventing Danielle from fully pursuing her entertainment career during a critical period in her life. They also said the lawsuit sends a message to other members that failure to cooperate could result in similar legal action.
Min Hee Jin’s lawyers echoed Danielle’s concerns, arguing that the court should not allow tactics that unnecessarily prolong the proceedings. They argued that extending the case would only further damage the lives and careers of those involved.
ADOR, however, rejected allegations that it intentionally delayed litigation. The agency’s legal team also said it wanted a quick resolution, but insisted that its ability to present evidence and fully argue its case should not be limited in the interest of speed.
The court also raised the possibility of an agreement between the parties. ADOR clarified that it does not completely rule out a negotiated solution. Danielle’s side, however, expressed skepticism, pointing out that ADOR had terminated her contract and subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The defense stated that this was the first time that a settlement had been seriously discussed during the proceedings.
A notable development from the hearing was ADOR’s decision to reduce its damages claim. The company revised the requested amount from approximately ₩43.09 billion (approximately $31 million) to ₩33.09 billion (approximately $24 million), submitting the revised figure to the court.
The lawsuit remains ongoing, with future hearings scheduled to further examine ADOR’s allegations against Min Hee Jin and Danielle, including the disputed KakaoTalk evidence that has become a central issue in the case.
Sources: Daum | stellar news
