Daniel's side: "Cannot perform due to massive lawsuit... Adore's claim is irresponsible"

*This content was translated by AI.

In a 33 billion won damages lawsuit filed by NewJeans' agency Adore against former NewJeans member Daniel and former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, Daniel's side argued that the grounds for terminating the contract with Adore were lawful.

On the 11th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Consolidated Division 31 held the second argument session in the damages lawsuit filed by Adore against Daniel, his family, and Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO).

On this day, Daniel's side stated, "We were fully aware that there were grounds for terminating the contract with Adore. The collaboration matter was merely an exploration of possibilities and is not something to be described as a grand opportunity." They further argued, "We cannot engage in entertainment activities. The amount of liquidated damages is enormous; how can we possibly perform? The claim that we should perform is an irresponsible assertion. The lawsuit, which is tormenting Daniel, is destroying the trust relationship."

In response, Adore's side said, "Who started this situation first?" and added, "We endured this and were harassed for over a year, so we do not understand Daniel's side's claim that they are suffering after losing the lawsuit."

In November 2024, NewJeans claimed that all five members' exclusive contracts were terminated due to violations of Adore's exclusive contract, notifying the termination unilaterally and beginning independent activities. However, in October 2025, NewJeans lost the first-instance lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contracts with Adore, and the members announced their intentions to return to Adore one by one without filing appeals.

However, in December 2025, Adore notified Daniel that he could no longer be a member of NewJeans and terminated his exclusive contract, subsequently filing a damages lawsuit worth over 43.1 billion won against Daniel, one of his family members, and Min Hee-jin. Currently, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have decided to return to Adore, while Minji is in discussions regarding specific conditions for her return.

Subsequently, Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) proposed in an April press conference that all ongoing legal disputes be halted on the condition that she would not receive the put option payment she was entitled to from the first-instance victory. 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 pre-trial preparation session, Daniel's side claimed that Adore 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, Adore's side argued, "This is a lawsuit for damages and liquidated damages. Since the defendant's entertainment activities are not at stake, the defendant can decide and perform their entertainment activities as they wish. Their activities are not being delayed due to this case." Daniel's side retorted, "Adore notified the termination of the exclusive contract after Daniel expressed his intention to return to NewJeans. If Daniel were to resume activities, Adore would certainly raise objections and create trouble. That seems entirely natural."

While Adore's side is considering applying for witness testimony and has mentioned the possibility of a settlement, they stated, "We do not see it as impossible." However, Daniel's side replied, "The plaintiff filed a lawsuit for massive liquidated damages upon terminating the contract; the word 'settlement' is something we have heard for the first time."

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

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 carried out."

Adore'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 restricts the plaintiff's ability to prove their case, that would be problematic."

Subsequently, Adore submitted an adjustment to the court, revising the claim amount in the damages lawsuit from the original 43.09 billion won to 33.09 billion won.

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*This content was translated by AI.