ADOR and Former NewJeans Member Danielle Head Back to Court as 33.09 Billion Won Lawsuit Continues

Nearly two years after the contract dispute that reshaped one of K-pop’s biggest girl groups, ADOR and former NewJeans member Danielle are returning to court as their high-profile legal battle enters another stage.

The fourth hearing in ADOR’s damages lawsuit against Danielle, one of her family members, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin is scheduled to take place on July 23 at the Seoul Central District Court. The case has become one of the industry’s most closely watched disputes, unfolding as the remaining members of NewJeans move forward with preparations for a new chapter as a four-member group.

Background: From Contract Dispute to Group Restructuring

According to the report, all five members of NewJeans—Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein, and Danielle—announced in November 2024 that they considered their exclusive contracts with ADOR terminated, arguing that the company had violated its contractual obligations.

However, the legal dispute took a significant turn the following year when the court ruled in ADOR’s favor in the first trial over the validity of the exclusive contracts. Rather than filing an appeal, the members gradually expressed their intention to return to ADOR.

Danielle’s situation ultimately developed differently from the rest of the group.

According to the article, ADOR later informed Danielle that she would no longer continue as a member of NewJeans and terminated her exclusive contract. The company subsequently filed a damages lawsuit against Danielle, one of her family members, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

While the original lawsuit sought more than 43.1 billion won in damages, the claim has since been revised to approximately 33.09 billion won, which is the amount currently before the court.

Double-Contract Allegations Remain the Central Issue

A major point of disagreement in the lawsuit centers on allegations involving a separate contract connected to NewJeans’ appearance at ComplexCon Hong Kong.

During the third hearing held earlier this month, ADOR argued that an agreement had been signed with a Chinese-backed company involved in organizing the Hong Kong event. According to ADOR, that agreement conflicted with the group’s existing exclusive contracts and therefore constituted an impermissible double contract.

The agency also claimed that while the other members later cooperated in resolving issues related to the agreement, Danielle and her family failed to disclose the contract and made no effort to correct what ADOR considers a contractual violation.

Danielle’s legal team rejected those claims.

According to the report, her side argued that the matter was not an action taken independently by Danielle but rather one involving all members collectively. They later issued an additional statement asserting that neither Danielle nor any of the NewJeans members had entered into—or attempted to enter into—a second exclusive entertainment contract with another company.

No court ruling has yet been reported on these competing claims.

NewJeans Continues as Four Members

While Danielle remains involved in ongoing litigation, the remaining members have continued preparations for the group’s future.

The report states that NewJeans has reorganized as a four-member act and is currently preparing for a comeback under ADOR.

The agency also marked the group’s fourth debut anniversary on July 22 by releasing a special commemorative film through NewJeans’ official social media channels, signaling continued promotional activities despite the unresolved legal dispute.

The anniversary content serves as one of the first major public updates from the group as it prepares for its next activities following months of legal uncertainty.

Why This Matters

The lawsuit extends beyond a contractual disagreement between an agency and a former artist.

The outcome could clarify legal responsibilities surrounding exclusive contracts, agency authority, and damages claims in one of K-pop’s most closely followed entertainment disputes. It also represents another important chapter in the broader conflict involving ADOR, former CEO Min Hee-jin, and the artists who were once collectively part of NewJeans.

At the same time, the case illustrates how legal proceedings can directly influence a group’s lineup and future promotions. While the remaining members move ahead with comeback preparations, Danielle’s legal battle remains unresolved, leaving the court to determine issues related to the damages claim and the disputed contract allegations.

What’s Next

The fourth hearing will allow both sides to continue presenting arguments regarding ADOR’s damages claim of approximately 33.09 billion won.

No final judgment has been announced, and it remains unclear when the court will issue a ruling.

Separately, fans will be watching for further details about the four-member NewJeans’ comeback as ADOR continues promotional activities following the group’s fourth anniversary celebration.