K-pop label Ador has filed a lawsuit seeking $30 million in damages against ousted NewJeans member Danielle, her family member, and former CEO Min Hee-jin. The action follows the recent termination of Danielle's contract amid ongoing disputes with the group. Ador claims the defendants bear responsibility for delays in NewJeans' return.
The lawsuit, reported by the BBC, targets Danielle, a member of her family, and Min Hee-jin, who was ousted as Ador's CEO. Ador, a subsidiary of HYBE, alleges these parties caused the dispute and prolonged negotiations for NewJeans' comeback. In a recent statement, the label expressed intent to pursue legal action, stating that Danielle’s family member and Min Hee-jin “bear significant responsibility for causing this dispute and for the delays in NewJeans’ departure and return.”
This development comes shortly after Ador and HYBE ended their contract with Danielle. Earlier this week, the companies announced talks with NewJeans members to resolve the conflict and facilitate a return. In November, all five members—Hyein, Haerin, Hanni, Danielle, and Minji—indicated plans to rejoin Ador after failing to terminate ties in South Korean court. Ador confirmed Hyein and Haerin would return, Hanni chose to stay, and Minji remains in discussions.
The rift originated in fall 2024 when NewJeans sought to sever connections with Ador. This followed HYBE's dismissal of Min Hee-jin, whom they accused of attempting to make Ador independent—a charge she denied. At a press conference, the members accused Ador of “manipulation,” “mistreatment,” “deliberate miscommunications,” and workplace harassment, claims the label rejected.
NewJeans tried rebranding as NJZ, but a March court ruling halted it just before their debut show. A June decision mandated the group fulfill obligations until 2029, prompting initial appeal considerations before shifting to reconciliation talks.
