Former NewJeans’ Member Danielle’s Lawyer Calls Out ADOR For Allegedly Attempting To Delay Lawsuit To Hurt Her Career, ADOR Denies
The former member of girl group NewJeans, Danielle, claimed that “I expressed my intention to return, but ADOR filed a lawsuit” in response to ADOR’s lawsuit seeking damages of around 43 billion won.
On the 26th of March, the Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Nam In Soo) held the first preparatory hearing for the damages lawsuit ADOR filed against Danielle and former CEO Min Hee Jin.
Danielle’s side pointed out that ADOR is delaying the procedures with the goal of prolonging the lawsuit. Meanwhile, ADOR explained that due to difficulties caused by the leak of the lawsuit details, they were unable to prepare their evidence plan.
Danielle’s side argued, “If the lawsuit drags on, the idol defendant will suffer significant damage at the peak of their career. ADOR has reasons to delay the procedure.”
They also said, “ADOR is filing a lawsuit against Danielle’s family, which is unrelated to the exclusive contract, and has requested to postpone the preparatory hearings by two months, trying to extend the process. We hope the hearings proceed between April and June and the trial concludes promptly.”
ADOR’s side argued, “We don’t think it’s late that the hearing was scheduled three months after filing the lawsuit. Since the lawsuit is for damages and liquidated penalties, Danielle herself can decide on her entertainment activities.”
Danielle’s side countered, “That’s not the case because ADOR filed the lawsuit claiming responsibility after discussing circumstances following her return.”
The court asked both sides to submit evidence related to “tampering” (poaching members), which is expected to be a key issue. Tampering refers to acts of independence or recruitment through prior contact before the expiration of an exclusive contract.
The court added, “It would be helpful if both sides organize overseas precedents, whether or not involving artists, including similar cases with athletes or small business technology, and argue how elements of this case correspond.”
ADOR mentioned the tampering lawsuit involving the group Fifty Fifty, saying “We have not yet obtained the verdict document.”
When the court asked, “Is there absolutely no possibility of settlement?” ADOR replied, “We don’t think it’s entirely impossible.”
Danielle’s side responded skeptically, “A high-value liquidated damages lawsuit has been filed, and this is the first time we’ve heard of settlement talks.” They also argued, “She expressed my intention to return, but ADOR filed the lawsuit.”
The court said, “It would be good to proceed while keeping the possibility of mediation open.”
Regarding this lawsuit, two additional hearing dates are scheduled for May 14 and July 2.
ADOR previously announced that at the end of last year, members Haerin, Hyein, and Hani confirmed their return to ADOR. They also stated that Minji is still in discussion about returning, and negotiations continue to expand mutual understanding.
However, ADOR judged that Danielle could not participate as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist and notified her of contract termination.
They filed a lawsuit seeking damages and liquidated penalties regarding Danielle, and also hold one of Danielle’s family members and former CEO Min responsible for NewJeans’ member departures and delayed returns, claiming damages of approximately 43 billion won.
Source: (A)
