ADOR, the HYBE subsidiary behind girl group NewJeans, has taken formal legal action against member Danielle, filing a large scale damages lawsuit following the termination of her exclusive contract.
According to legal sources on December 30, the Seoul Central District Court assigned ADOR’s lawsuit seeking contractual penalties and damages against Danielle, one of her family members, and former ADOR CEO Min Heejin to Civil Division 31, presided over by Judge Nam Insoo. Notably, the same court is currently handling the high-profile civil dispute between HYBE and Min Heejin, which centers on ADOR share ownership and a ₩26 billion put option agreement.
A Lawsuit Tied to NewJeans’ Contract Fallout
ADOR’s lawsuit reportedly seeks approximately ₩43 billion (around $32 million USD) in penalties and damages. The agency claims that Danielle’s actions, along with those of a family member and Min Heejin, contributed to NewJeans’ departure from the company and delays in the group’s return to normal activities.
Earlier, ADOR confirmed that members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have finalized their return to the agency. Negotiations with Minji are still ongoing, with ADOR stating that discussions are continuing to reach mutual understanding.
However, the agency said it concluded that continuing its contractual relationship with Danielle was no longer possible, prompting it to formally notify her of contract termination and pursue legal remedies.
Background: From Contract Dispute to Courtroom Battle
The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began in November 2024, when all five members announced their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts and pursue independent activities. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit in December 2024 seeking judicial confirmation that the contracts remained valid. On October 30, the court ruled in ADOR’s favor, affirming that the exclusive contracts were legally valid. Following the ruling, Haerin and Hyein publicly stated their decision to return to the agency, with Hanni later joining them.
Although Minji, Hanni, and Danielle initially expressed willingness to return, ADOR later clarified that only Hanni’s return had been finalized, while talks with Minji continued and negotiations with Danielle ultimately broke down.
A Case That Could Reshape Industry Precedents
As the lawsuit proceeds under the same court overseeing the HYBE Min Heejin dispute, the case is expected to draw close attention within the K-pop industry. Legal experts note that its outcome could influence future interpretations of exclusive artist contracts, family involvement, and management accountability.
With multiple lawsuits now intersecting around NewJeans and ADOR, the situation remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in Korean pop music.