Danielle’s side claims ADOR legal team’s withdrawal is “Malicious,” calls lawsuit against NewJeans members unjust

The legal representatives of former NewJeans member Danielle have strongly criticized the recent withdrawal of ADOR’s legal counsel, describing it as a “malicious and intentional” move amid an ongoing damages lawsuit worth approximately 43.1 billion KRW (about 31 million USD).

On May 14, the Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court held the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by ADOR against Danielle, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, and others, seeking damages of around 43.1 billion KRW (approximately 31 million USD).

Danielle’s side argued that the case had taken a contentious turn after ADOR’s original legal team reportedly stepped down four months after the lawsuit began and was replaced by new counsel. They stated that Danielle had been singled out among NewJeans members from the beginning, with issues such as alleged penalty fees and contract termination being disproportionately directed at her, calling the broader warnings to other members “retaliatory and unfair.”

Recently, ADOR replaced its previous legal representatives, Kim & Chang, with four lawyers from the law firm LeeHan and submitted a request to reschedule the court hearing.

Danielle’s representatives further argued that the prolonged litigation appears designed to prevent the idol from focusing on her career during a critical period, describing it as a “blatantly malicious attempt to delay proceedings” and an action that “disrespects the court and should not be tolerated.”

They also claimed that ADOR’s failure to submit an evidence plan should be interpreted as an effective abandonment of proof, urging the court to dismiss the case entirely.

Representatives of Min Hee Jin echoed this stance, calling the lawsuit a harmful act that “devastates the lives of the defendants and must not be accepted.”

In response, ADOR stated that the delay in submitting its evidentiary plan was due to practical circumstances and apologized, denying any intention to prolong the case and confirming that preparations are underway.

The lawsuit originated in December last year when ADOR filed a damages claim of approximately 43.1 billion KRW (about 31 million USD) against Danielle and her family, as well as former CEO Min Hee Jin, alleging breach of exclusive contract obligations. ADOR claims the defendants contributed to member departures and delayed returns, causing significant business damage.