ADOR explains why only Danielle faces contract termination and damages lawsuit

ADOR has explained in court why it chose to terminate its exclusive contract with Danielle and pursue a damages lawsuit against her, while the remaining NewJeans members have returned to the agency.

On July 2, the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the third hearing in ADOR’s damages lawsuit against Danielle, her mother, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

During the hearing, ADOR argued that Danielle was the only NewJeans member who independently engaged in music and commercial activities without the agency’s approval, calling those actions a violation of her exclusive contract.

The agency cited Danielle’s alleged collaboration with American band Emotional Oranges, claiming that recording sessions and production expenses demonstrated she had already begun pursuing independent music activities outside ADOR.

ADOR also pointed to financial records related to NJZ, the name the members adopted after announcing the termination of their contracts, arguing that it effectively functioned as an entertainment business established to carry out activities in violation of the exclusive agreement.

Danielle’s legal team rejected those claims, arguing that ADOR had merely repackaged evidence previously submitted in earlier proceedings in an attempt to portray Danielle as the sole contract violator.

Her representatives also maintained that the collaboration with Emotional Oranges did not generate any meaningful financial compensation and stressed that the evidence presented was not new.

“As far as we know, there was no separate payment related to Emotional Oranges,” Danielle’s legal team stated. “NJZ was also a group activity involving all members, yet only Danielle is being singled out.”

ADOR has argued that Danielle, her family, and former CEO Min Hee Jin bear responsibility for the alleged contract violations, NewJeans’ departure from the agency, and the delay in the group’s return.

The agency initially sought approximately 43.09 billion KRW (about USD 31.7 million) in damages but later reduced its claim to 33.09 billion KRW (about USD 24.4 million).

Meanwhile, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have finalized their return to ADOR, while Minji is reportedly continuing discussions with the agency regarding the terms of her return.