On January 2, lawyer Lee Ji-hoon, who runs the YouTube channel Knowing Lawyer, uploaded a video titled “From Now On, It’s All-Out War: Danielle vs. Birth Mother vs. Adoptive Mother (ADOR Divide and Conquer),” in which he explored Danielle’s recent removal from ADOR and the legal ramifications surrounding the case.
In the video, Attorney Lee strongly criticized Danielle’s recent public activities, particularly her participation in volunteer work during the controversy.
“Volunteering is good, but not now. This is not the time,” Lee said. “Members of NewJeans unilaterally terminated their contracts and caused financial harm to the company. Shareholders were harmed. Deliberately causing harm and then engaging in volunteer activities demonstrates a lack of situational awareness.”
He added that Danielle and the other members should demonstrate restraint rather than public displays of normalcy or happiness.
“At the very least, they should understand that this is a serious situation that requires self-control and reflection. Their actions have caused harm to others. They should show remorse and keep a low profile. Acting in a light-hearted manner only exacerbates the problem,” he said.
Lee then explained what he believes Danielle should do next from a legal perspective. According to him, acknowledging personal guilt is inevitable, but distancing oneself from former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin is crucial.
“Danielle needs to admit her mistakes and explain that she was manipulated or gaslighted by Min Hee-jin,” he said. “This situation could constitute joint illegal conduct, which means compensation liability to ADOR. Internally, however, it must place more responsibility on Min Hee-jin.”
He went further, urging a complete breakup.
“She must completely cut ties and go on the offensive. If she remains aligned with Min Hee-jin, she will have no chance to recover,” Lee warned. “She needs to actively argue and prove that she has been manipulated. Any further misstep will end it all.”
Lee concluded by emphasizing that Danielle’s legal survival depends on cooperation with ADOR rather than confrontation.
“Her position must clearly diverge from that of Min Hee-jin. If this is to be resolved through mediation with the company, she must directly oppose Min Hee-jin,” he said.
Meanwhile, ADOR announced last month that it had formally notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract.
In an official statement, the company said it has determined “it is difficult to continue working with Danielle as a member of NewJeans and an ADOR artist.” ADOR also said it intends to pursue legal liability against “a member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee-jin, who bears significant responsibility for the current controversy and delays in NewJeans’ return.”
The case remains ongoing, with legal observers pointing out that its outcome could set important precedents for idol contracts and third-party influence disputes in the K-pop industry.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
