K-pop girl group NewJeans’ agency, ADOR, and former NewJeans member Daniel, along with former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, once again engaged in a heated dispute regarding the admissibility of private conversations as evidence in a 33 billion KRW (approximately $24 million USD) damages lawsuit filed by ADOR.
The 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the second hearing for the damages lawsuit initiated by ADOR against Daniel, her family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin on the 11th.
During the proceedings, both parties fiercely debated the adoption of evidence, specifically former CEO Min Hee-jin’s KakaoTalk (private messaging app) conversations concerning Daniel’s music band contract. The court stated it would consider these arguments when evaluating the evidence.
ADOR’s legal team subsequently argued, based on these communications and other evidence, “We concluded that Daniel had no intention of maintaining her exclusive contract with ADOR.” They further claimed, “Min Hee-jin encouraged the termination of NewJeans’ contract with ADOR, persuading them by promising protection from financial disadvantages and inducing contract breaches. This constitutes a clear breach of fiduciary duty.”
In November 2024, NewJeans unilaterally notified ADOR of contract termination, asserting that all five members’ exclusive contracts were breached, and began independent activities. However, NewJeans lost the first trial of the exclusive contract validity lawsuit against ADOR in October 2025. Subsequently, the members chose not to appeal and successively expressed their intention to return to ADOR.
However, in December 2025, ADOR informed Daniel that she could no longer continue as a NewJeans member and terminated her exclusive contract. Following this, ADOR filed a damages lawsuit totaling approximately 43.1 billion KRW against Daniel, one of her family members, and Min Hee-jin. Currently, members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have confirmed their return to ADOR, while Minji is still negotiating specific terms for her return.
Afterwards, former CEO Min Hee-jin held a press conference in April, proposing to cease all ongoing legal disputes on the condition that she would not receive the put option payment from her first-instance victory. However, HYBE indicated its intent to continue the lawsuit by depositing 29.25 billion KRW as security to prevent provisional enforcement of the ruling.
During the subsequent first preparatory hearing, Daniel’s legal team argued that ADOR was deliberately prolonging the lawsuit, stating, “The plaintiff appears to be unreservedly revealing its intention to drag this case out. We desire a swift and focused deliberation.” Conversely, ADOR’s side countered, “This case is a damages and penalty claim. The defendant’s entertainment activities are not contingent on this; she can decide to pursue them independently. This case is not delaying her activities.” Daniel’s side sharply refuted this, stating, “ADOR notified Daniel of contract termination *after* she expressed her intention to return to NewJeans. If Daniel resumes activities, ADOR will undoubtedly raise objections and disputes. That seems very obvious.”
While ADOR is also considering applying for witnesses, and the court mentioned the possibility of a settlement, ADOR’s side commented, “We don’t entirely rule it out.” However, Daniel’s side responded, “The plaintiff filed a massive penalty lawsuit after terminating the contract, so this is the first time we’ve heard the word ‘settlement.'”
In continued arguments, Daniel’s side asserted, “From the start of this case, the plaintiff has singled out Daniel among the NewJeans members, notified her of contract termination, and filed a massive damages lawsuit seeking a hefty penalty.” They added, “There is an unjust ulterior motive to warn other NewJeans members that they could face massive retaliatory lawsuits if they don’t cooperate.” They further pointed out that ADOR appears to be intentionally delaying the lawsuit, stating, “Regardless of the outcome, the plaintiff seems to aim to achieve its objective by prolonging this case and letting Daniel’s shining period as an idol be wasted in legal disputes.”
Min Hee-jin’s representative also stated, “I believe such attempts (to delay the trial) driven by a malicious intent to devastate the defendants’ lives should not be tolerated.”
ADOR’s representative argued, “The plaintiff also desires a swift determination of rights,” but added, “If that method involves limiting the plaintiff’s ability to present evidence, then that is problematic.”
Subsequently, ADOR adjusted the claim amount in the damages lawsuit from the original 43.09 billion KRW to 33.09 billion KRW and submitted it to the court.
