ADOR and Danielle Face Off in 43 Billion Won Damages Suit: "Deliberate Delay" vs. "Standard Procedure"

Danielle's Side Requests Speedy Proceedings, Citing "Irreparable Damage to Career"
ADOR Responds, "Numerous Breaches Require Careful Selection of Witnesses"

Daniel. Yonhap News

At the first hearing of a 43 billion won damages lawsuit filed by Ador, the management company of the group NewJeans, against former member Danielle and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin (currently CEO of OK Records), both sides clashed over the hearing schedule.

The Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam Insoo) held a preparatory hearing for the damages suit on the 26th, brought by Ador against Danielle, former CEO Min, and others.

On this day, Danielle's side argued that Ador was prolonging the lawsuit, causing harm to the artist's activities. Danielle's legal representative stated, "Given the nature of idol activities, if the lawsuit is drawn out, it causes irreparable damage at the most crucial time," and added, "Ador is deliberately delaying the proceedings." The representative further pointed out that Ador filed a large-scale lawsuit even though Danielle expressed her intention to return.

On the other hand, Ador argued that "the hearing was scheduled three months after the complaint was filed, which is not a delay," and requested that the trial proceed according to standard procedures. Ador's legal representative countered, "Since there are many violations on Danielle's side, we need time to select witnesses." Regarding the possibility of a settlement, the representative said, "We do not rule it out," leaving room for negotiation.

The court requested both parties to compile and submit relevant overseas cases regarding 'tampering' (pre-contact before contract expiration), which is a key issue in the case. The court also suggested keeping the possibility of a settlement open and scheduled additional hearings.

In December last year, Ador notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract and filed a lawsuit seeking 43 billion won in damages. Ador maintains that Danielle and former CEO Min bear significant responsibility for Danielle's departure from NewJeans and the delay in her return. Meanwhile, among the NewJeans members, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have joined Ador, while Minji is still in discussions regarding her return.

The next hearings are scheduled for May 14 and July 2.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.