Daniel's side: "Tried to return to NewJeans but was unilaterally terminated" vs. ADOR: "Now you're saying that?" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.

In a 33 billion won damages lawsuit filed by K-pop group NewJeans' agency ADOR against former NewJeans member Daniel and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, Daniel's side pointed out that ADOR unilaterally terminated the contract.

On the 11th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Panel No. 31 held the second round of arguments in the damages lawsuit filed by ADOR against Daniel, his family, and Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO).

On this day, both sides engaged in sharp exchanges over the admissibility of evidence regarding KakaoTalk conversations between Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) and Daniel concerning a contract related to Daniel's music band, and the court responded that it would take this into account while listening.

Subsequently, ADOR argued, citing such content, that "it was determined that Daniel had no intention of accepting the maintenance of his exclusive contract with ADOR," and that "Min Hee-jin pressured the termination of NewJeans' contract with ADOR, persuaded Daniel not to suffer financial disadvantages, and induced contract termination, constituting a breach of fiduciary duty."

On this day, Daniel's side countered, stating, "We were fully aware that there were grounds for terminating the contract with ADOR. The collaboration matter was merely an exploration of possibilities and is not something to be exaggerated as if it were a major event in Yongin." They added, "It is impossible to engage in entertainment activities. The amount of liquidated damages is enormous; how can one possibly continue activities? The claim that Daniel should continue activities is also an irresponsible assertion, and the trust relationship is breaking down due to the lawsuit that is tormenting Daniel."

In response, ADOR said, "Who started this situation first?" and added, "We endured this and were harassed for over a year, so we do not understand the claim that Daniel's side has suffered pain since losing the lawsuit." They further asked, "How can one claim that they cannot engage in activities after ADOR notified them of contract termination, when ADOR itself had already notified them of termination?"

On the other hand, Daniel's side rebutted, stating, "After losing the exclusive contract lawsuit, we gave up on appeal and intended to return to ADOR, but we were unilaterally notified of termination due to past remarks and actions. We requested specific corrective measures, but these were ignored based on the relationship between Daniel's mother and Min Hee-jin." They added, "At this point, all members are unable to engage in activities. It is questionable whether NewJeans can be normalized."

NewJeans claimed in November 2024 that all five members' contracts were terminated due to violations of their exclusive contracts with ADOR, unilaterally notified contract termination, and began independent activities. However, in October 2025, NewJeans lost the first-instance lawsuit confirming the validity of their exclusive contracts with ADOR, and the members, without filing appeals, sequentially expressed their intention to return to ADOR.

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

Subsequently, in April, Min Hee-jin Jeon (CEO) proposed through a press conference that all ongoing legal disputes be halted on the condition that she would not receive the put option payment due 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 hearing, 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 a swift and concentrated trial." In contrast, ADOR's side said, "This is a lawsuit for damages and liquidated damages. The defendant's entertainment activities are not determined by this case, so the defendant can decide whether to engage in entertainment activities on their own. Activities are not delayed due to this case." However, Daniel's side retorted, "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."

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

In the subsequent arguments, Daniel's side claimed, "From the beginning of this case, the plaintiff targeted only Daniel among the NewJeans members, notified him of contract termination, and filed a damages lawsuit demanding a huge amount of liquidated damages." They added, "There is an improper purpose to warn that other NewJeans members could face huge retaliatory lawsuits if they do not cooperate." They further stated, "It appears the plaintiff intends to prolong this case for a long time regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, causing Daniel to waste his shining time as an idol in legal disputes, thereby achieving its intended purpose," pointing out that ADOR is intentionally delaying the lawsuit.

Min Hee-jin's attorney also said, "We believe that such attempts to delay the trial, with malicious intent to make the lives of the defendants miserable, should not be carried out in Yongin."

ADOR's attorney argued, "Even from the plaintiff's perspective, they wish for a prompt determination of rights," 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 claim 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.