SOURCE: ‘430억 손배소’ 어도어 측 “합의 가능”…먼저 제안한 민희진 측 “당혹”
ADOR, the agency of the group NewJeans, mentioned the possibility of a settlement regarding the 43 billion KRW damages lawsuit filed against former member Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Heejin.
On the morning of the 26th, the Seoul Central District Court held the first preparatory hearing for the damages lawsuit filed by ADOR against Danielle and Min Heejin.
When the court asked, "Is there a possibility of settlement?" ADOR responded, "We don't see it as completely impossible."
In response, Danielle's side stated, "This is the first time we've heard the plaintiff (ADOR) mention a settlement, given that they terminated the exclusive contract and filed a lawsuit seeking a large penalty."
ADOR then explained, "By saying settlement is not impossible, we mean that as the lawsuit progresses and arguments are exchanged, there may be opportunities to discuss mediation or settlement. This case doesn't necessarily have to end with a court ruling. It could change depending on the trial process."
They added, "Our point is that the outcome of this case does not determine the group's return. That issue should be discussed separately from the lawsuit."
Danielle's side countered, "Denielle expressed her intention to return, but this case proceeded because the plaintiff terminated her contract."
Min Heejin's side stated, "It's bewildering that they are bringing up the possibility of settlement now, given that the trial is underway and this position has already been expressed before. We will review this and announce our position."
Previously, NewJeans' members declared the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR in 2024 due to a breakdown of trust, but the court ruled that their contracts were still valid. Afterward, Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR, followed by Hanni.
On the other hand, Danielle ultimately failed to reach a final agreement on her exclusive contract with ADOR and left the group. ADOR announced they had notified Danielle of her contract termination last December and filed a 43 billion KRW lawsuit in penalties and damages against Danielle, one of her family members, and Min Heejin. The damages claimed against Min Heejin alone are reported to be around 10 billion KRW.
Meanwhile, while the court dismissed HYBE's lawsuit to confirm the termination of the shareholders' agreement against Min Heejin and two others in February. At the same time, the court ruled in favor of Min Heejin in her lawsuit regarding put-option rights, ordering HYBE to pay approximately 25.6 billion KRW. HYBE has since appealed this decision.
Following this, Min Heejin held a press conference and made a shocking proposal: she would give up the 25.6 billion KRW put option payment from HYBE if all lawsuits against her, NewJeans, and related parties were withdrawn. However, ADOR did not accept this offer.







