430 billion won to 330 billion won.. ADOR vs. Daniel and Min Hee-jin lawsuit, second argument today (11th)

*This content was translated by AI.

The third hearing for the 330 billion won damages lawsuit filed by NewJeans' agency ADOR against former NewJeans member Daniel and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin will take place.

The Seoul Central District Court Civil Collegiate Panel 31 will hold the second argument session on the 11th for the damages lawsuit filed by ADOR against Daniel, his family, and Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO).

NewJeans claimed in November 2024 that all five members had their exclusive contracts terminated due to violations of ADOR's exclusive contract, and began independent activities by unilaterally notifying the contract termination. However, in October 2025, NewJeans lost the first-instance lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract with ADOR, and the members announced their intention to return to ADOR one by one without filing an appeal.

However, in December 2025, ADOR notified Daniel that he could no longer be a member of NewJeans and terminated his exclusive contract, then filed a damages lawsuit seeking 43.1 billion won against Daniel, one of his family members, and Min Hee-jin. Currently, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have been decided to return to ADOR, while Minji is in negotiations over specific return conditions.

Subsequently, Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) proposed in an April press conference to halt all ongoing legal disputes on the condition that she would not receive 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.

At the first argument preparation session, Daniel's side claimed that ADOR was prolonging the lawsuit, stating, "It seems the plaintiff is openly revealing its intention to drag out this case. We wish for the trial to proceed swiftly and intensively." In contrast, ADOR's side said, "This is a lawsuit for damages and liquidated damages. The defendant's entertainment activities are not at stake, so the defendant can decide and carry out their entertainment activities on their own. Their activities will not be delayed due to this case." However, Daniel's side countered sharply, saying, "ADOR notified Daniel of the termination of his exclusive contract 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."

While ADOR's side is considering applying for witnesses and has mentioned the possibility of a settlement, ADOR stated, "We do not rule out the possibility of a settlement entirely." However, Daniel's side replied, "The plaintiff filed a lawsuit for a huge amount of liquidated damages upon terminating the contract, so this is the first time we have heard the word 'settlement'."

In the subsequent argument, Daniel's side argued, "From the beginning of this case, the plaintiff targeted only Daniel among the NewJeans members, notified him of the termination of his exclusive contract, and filed a damages lawsuit demanding a huge amount of liquidated damages. There is an improper purpose to warn that other NewJeans members could also face huge retaliatory lawsuits if they do not cooperate." They further pointed out, "Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, the plaintiff appears to be intentionally prolonging this case to waste Daniel's shining time as an idol in legal disputes, thereby achieving its intended purpose."

Min Hee-jin's attorney also stated, "We believe that such attempts to delay the trial, driven by malicious intent to make the defendants' lives miserable, should not be allowed to occur in Yongin."

ADOR's attorney argued, "The plaintiff also wishes to confirm their rights as soon as possible," but added, "However, if that method is carried out in a way that limits the plaintiff's ability to prove their case, that would be problematic."

Subsequently, ADOR adjusted the claimed amount in the damages lawsuit from the original 43.09 billion won to 33.09 billion won and submitted it to the court.

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*This content was translated by AI.