UPDATE: In a shocking legal move, ADOR has filed a lawsuit against NewJeans member Danielle and her family, seeking a staggering ₩43.1 billion KRW (approximately $30 million USD) in damages for breach of contract. This urgent development comes just days after the termination of Danielle’s contract was confirmed by ADOR.
According to legal sources, the lawsuit was officially filed on December 30, 2023, and has been assigned to the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central Court. This is the same court that previously handled the high-profile case involving HYBE and Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR.
The backlash from fans and netizens has been immediate and intense. Many are expressing outrage over ADOR’s actions, with comments flooding social media platforms. Phrases like “Crazy company” and “They are ruining K-Pop” capture the sentiment of a community feeling betrayed. One fan tweeted, “Can they call themselves an agency? Begging them to return, but as soon as they do, they split up the group?”
This lawsuit, which has yet to set a first hearing date, raises pressing questions about the treatment of artists within the K-Pop industry. Critics argue that such aggressive legal actions against individuals, especially renowned talents like Danielle, undermine the trust younger artists place in agencies. Amid the uproar, another fan lamented, “How is this fair…a company going against an individual?”
In recent days, ADOR confirmed the termination of Danielle’s contract, sparking further speculation about the future of NewJeans. Reports suggest that Danielle might join THE BLACK LABEL, adding another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation for the group.
As fans watch how this legal battle unfolds, the implications for K-Pop as a whole remain significant. The industry is at a critical juncture, with many questioning the ethics of agency practices and the treatment of artists.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it continues to capture global attention. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how talent is managed in the K-Pop industry.
