'NewJeans Expulsion' Daniel and Heejin: 430 Billion Won Lawsuit Filed Today (14th)..Possible Settlement? [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

A lawsuit worth 430 billion won between former NewJeans member Daniel and former Ador CEO Heejin is set to proceed in earnest.

The Seoul Central District Court Civil Mediation Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) will hold the first trial session on the 14th for the 430 billion won damages lawsuit filed by Ador against Daniel, his family, and Heejin Jeon (CEO).

Earlier, in November 2024, all five members of NewJeans claimed their exclusive contracts with Ador were terminated due to breach of contract, unilaterally notified the termination, and began independent activities. However, NewJeans lost the first-instance lawsuit to confirm the validity of their exclusive contracts with Ador in October last year, and the members subsequently announced their intentions to return to Ador without filing appeals.

However, in December of the same year, Ador notified Daniel that he could no longer continue as a NewJeans member and terminated his exclusive contract, then filed a damages lawsuit worth 43.1 billion won against Daniel, one of his family members, and Heejin. Currently, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have been confirmed to return to Ador, while Minji is reportedly negotiating specific conditions for her return.

Subsequently, Heejin Jeon (CEO) proposed in an April press conference that all ongoing legal disputes be halted on the condition that she forgoes the put option payment she would receive from winning the first instance. However, HYBE indicated its intention to continue the lawsuit by depositing 29.25 billion won as a guarantee to prevent the provisional enforcement of the judgment.

Following this, at the first trial preparation session, Daniel's side claimed that Ador is prolonging the lawsuit, stating, "It seems the plaintiff is openly revealing its intention to drag out this case. We wish for a swift and concentrated trial." In fact, Ador's side reportedly requested in a recently submitted opinion to postpone the trial preparation session by two months.

Daniel's side stated, "From Daniel's perspective, Daniel is an idol. If the lawsuit is prolonged, he could suffer irreparable and serious damage. If this lawsuit drags on, he will lose the time when he shines brightest as an idol." He added, "The plaintiff, as an entertainment agency, is well aware of this fact and has no reason to delay the lawsuit. Yet, they filed this lawsuit not only against Daniel but also against defendants with no direct involvement, including his mother."

Ador's side responded, "This is a lawsuit for damages and penalty claims. The defendants' entertainment activities are not determined by this case; they can decide their own activities. Their activities will not be delayed due to this case." However, Daniel's side countered sharply, "Ador notified Daniel of contract termination after he expressed his intention to return to NewJeans. If Daniel resumes activities, Ador will certainly raise objections and create trouble. That seems entirely natural."

Ador's side is also considering applying for witnesses. "There are many issues at stake," Ador stated, "Since there are numerous violations, we must select relevant witnesses. The opposing party denies everything regarding these points, so we need to discuss whether witnesses are necessary and whether to apply for them."

The judge also mentioned the possibility of a settlement. Ador's side said, "We do not rule it out entirely." However, Daniel's side expressed surprise, stating, "The plaintiff filed a lawsuit for a huge penalty after terminating the contract; the word 'settlement' is something we are hearing for the first time."

In response, Ador's side explained, "When we said 'we cannot rule it out entirely,' it was because as a lawsuit progresses and arguments are exchanged between both parties, it is important to have opportunities to discuss mediation or settlement. In Daniel's case, his return is not determined by the lawsuit outcome, so the issue with Daniel should be discussed separately from this lawsuit. That is what I meant."

Daniel's side explained, "After the exclusive contract termination case, the defendant expressed his intention to return (to Ador), but unlike the other members, the plaintiff notified Daniel of contract termination, and this case proceeded."

Ultimately, the judge asked again about the possibility of mediation. Daniel's side concluded, "We will review it and inform you if we can come up with a solution on our own. The plaintiff should clarify their position clearly."

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*This content was translated by AI.