ADOR Explains 33 Billion Won Lawsuit Against Danielle

ADOR Details Why Danielle Faces ₩33.09 Billion Lawsuit in NewJeans Contract Dispute

ADOR has explained why it believes former NewJeans member Danielle committed the most serious violations of her exclusive contract, as the agency’s ongoing legal battle with the singer entered another court hearing.

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

During the proceedings, ADOR argued that Danielle was the only former NewJeans member who independently engaged in both music and commercial activities without the agency’s approval.

ADOR Cites Independent Music and Commercial Activities

According to ADOR’s legal team, Danielle participated in activities that allegedly breached her exclusive contract.

The agency specifically referenced her reported collaboration with American band Emotional Oranges, claiming that recording sessions and production expenses had already been incurred.

ADOR argued that even if the final song or music video was never released, participating in recording sessions alone constituted unauthorized entertainment activities under the terms of Danielle’s exclusive contract.

The agency also cited several commercial engagements, including an Elle Singapore magazine photoshoot, activities related to Omega, and additional magazine cover shoots.

According to ADOR, whether formal contracts were signed or payment was ultimately received is not the central issue. Instead, the agency maintains that conducting entertainment or promotional activities outside the management company’s approval violates the exclusive agreement.

Dispute Over Contract Compliance Continues

ADOR further argued that Danielle showed little willingness to correct the alleged contract violations.

The agency told the court that recorded conversations indicate Danielle’s side suggested leaving past issues behind rather than taking steps to restore the contractual relationship. ADOR claimed this demonstrated a lack of cooperation in resolving the dispute.

Danielle’s legal representatives rejected those claims, arguing that ADOR is unfairly singling her out while portraying her as the only member who violated the agreement.

The lawsuit remains part of the broader legal conflict surrounding the former NewJeans members following the breakdown of relations between ADOR and former CEO Min Hee-jin.

ADOR originally filed a damages claim totaling approximately ₩43.1 billion, but later reduced the amount to ₩33.09 billion (approximately US$24 million).

The court has not yet issued a ruling, and the legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Who Is Danielle?

Danielle is an Australian-Korean singer who debuted in 2022 as a member of NewJeans under ADOR, a subsidiary of  HYBE.  She gained international recognition through hits including “Attention,” “Hype Boy,” “Ditto,” and “Super Shy.” Danielle remains at the center of ongoing legal disputes involving ADOR, former CEO Min Hee-jin, and the group’s contractual status.