ENTERTAINMENT
ADOR Files $430 Million Lawsuit Against Former NewJeans Member Danielle and Ex-CEO Min Hee-jin
According to legal sources on the 31st, the Seoul Central District Court has assigned the case to the 31st Civil Division. The defendants named in the lawsuit include Danielle, a family member, and Min Hee-jin. Notably, this division is also handling other legal disputes between HYBE and Min Hee-jin, including a shareholder contract termination lawsuit and a stock purchase claim, drawing significant attention.
The lawsuit stems from Min Hee-jin's exercise of a put option and HYBE's claim of contract termination. Min Hee-jin notified HYBE of her intention to exercise the put option in November last year, but HYBE argues that Min violated the shareholder agreement by attempting to "poach" NewJeans, thus nullifying her rights to the put option. ADOR is pursuing the termination of Danielle's exclusive contract and has taken a firm stance on holding those responsible for the dispute and the delay in the member's return accountable.
Previously, NewJeans members had demanded Min Hee-jin's return, citing ADOR's breach of contract as grounds for termination. However, ADOR maintained that the contracts remain valid. The agency has already filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contracts and requested an injunction to prohibit the members from independent activities, with the court ruling in ADOR's favor in the first instance.
Meanwhile, efforts to resume NewJeans' activities continue. Following the official return of members Hae-rin and Hye-in to ADOR, Hani has also announced her return. ADOR has stated that they have notified Danielle of her contract termination, and the last remaining member, Min-ji, is in discussions with the agency regarding her return and future activities.
Reported by Ji-ye Choi, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
