The first preparatory hearing is set for the 26th, with the court's ruling drawing attention.
The outcome of this lawsuit is expected to significantly impact NewJeans' future activities and the ongoing legal strife with HYBE.
[TV Daily, Kim Ji-hyun] ADOR has officially launched a 430 billion won lawsuit against former member Daniel and ex-CEO Min Hee-jin. The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 31 (Chief Judge Nam In-su) has scheduled the first preparatory hearing for the 26th, marking the start of a protracted legal battle.
This case draws attention as it is being overseen by a court that previously ruled in favor of Min Hee-jin in a 25.6 billion won put option lawsuit against HYBE, where her option to act was deemed legitimate. HYBE has since filed an appeal against this ruling.
Last December, ADOR notified Daniel of the termination of his exclusive contract and subsequently filed this lawsuit. They allege that both Daniel and Min Hee-jin are primarily responsible for the turmoil surrounding the departure and delayed return of NewJeans members, and they intend to hold them legally accountable.
Previously, the NewJeans members demanded the return of Min Hee-jin while claiming contract termination, but a ruling favoring ADOR has complicated their situation. Currently, Haerin, Hyein, and Hani have returned to ADOR, while Minji is still negotiating her return conditions. Daniel, identified as a key figure in this turmoil, has been officially removed from the group. Min Hee-jin suggested giving up the put option compensation to end all disputes regarding NewJeans, but HYBE has refused this proposal.
This lawsuit highlights the complex relationship between ADOR, Daniel, and Min Hee-jin. Particularly noteworthy is that this case revolves around a court that previously ruled favorably for Min Hee-jin, which may significantly impact the direction of this lawsuit going forward. ADOR is entering a crucial stage that could redefine the future activities of NewJeans.
The legal battle transcends mere financial compensation, serving as a litmus test for the trust between artists and their management companies. Fans must keenly observe how Daniel's removal and the structural changes within NewJeans unfold, as this case could set new standards for artist management in the K-POP industry.
Moreover, ADOR's legal strategies may offer significant insights for other agencies and artists within the industry. As each party asserts their rights, it's interesting to see what outcomes ADOR will achieve, marking a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics between artists and agencies.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
