South Korean entertainment agency ADOR has officially reduced the financial compensation it is seeking from its former chief executive Min Hee-jin and former NewJeans vocalist Danielle, Yonhap reports.
Legal sources confirmed on Friday that the damages claim has been lowered from an initial 43.1 bn won to 33.1 bn won (approximately $21.5 mln).
The lawsuit was originally filed last December against Min, Danielle and a member of the singer’s family. ADOR is seeking financial redress for the significant delays to the popular girl group’s promotional schedules caused by a highly publicised and protracted contract dispute.
Change in legal strategy
A spokesperson for the K-pop label explained that the revised financial figure is the result of a thorough reassessment of the case. This re-evaluation occurred after the company decided to change its legal representation.
The official noted that the agency remains committed to building a robust legal argument ahead of the next court hearing scheduled for next Thursday.
The bitter feud erupted in 2024 when Min was ousted from her leadership role at ADOR following severe tensions with the label’s parent conglomerate Hybe. In a show of solidarity, the members of NewJeans demanded her immediate reinstatement.
The group subsequently argued that their exclusive contracts had been nullified due to alleged breaches by the agency and attempted to pursue independent schedules. This rebellious move prompted swift legal retaliation from ADOR management.
Court rulings and contract terminations
In October, a district court in Seoul ruled firmly in favour of the agency by upholding the validity of the artists’ existing contracts. Following the legal defeat, the majority of the band members returned to the label to resume their activities.
However, the situation took a final dramatic turn in December when ADOR officially terminated Danielle’s contract and announced she would no longer be a part of NewJeans.
