ADOR reduces damages claim against ex-CEO, ex-NewJeans member by 10 bln won

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- K-pop label ADOR has reduced its damages claim against former chief executive Min Hee-jin and former NewJeans member Danielle to 33.1 billion won (US$21.5 million) from an initial 43.1 billion won, legal sources said Friday.

ADOR recently lowered the damages claim after filing a lawsuit against the two and Danielle's family member last December, seeking compensation over the girl group's delayed return to activities due to a prolonged contract dispute.

An ADOR official said the revision was made after reevaluating the case after changing its legal representatives, adding that it plans to continue strengthening its case. The next court hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled next Thursday.

The group's members had been embroiled in a dispute with ADOR, after Min was removed from her post in 2024 amid tensions with the label's parent company Hybe.

The members, who demanded that Min be reinstated, argued that their contracts had already been nullified due to alleged breaches by ADOR, and pursued independent activities, prompting legal action by the agency.

In October, a Seoul district court ruled in favor of ADOR, confirming the validity of the members' contracts with the agency. The ruling prompted the majority of the members to return to the agency.

ADOR, however, terminated its contract with Danielle in December, saying she could no longer be part of NewJeans.

This composite file photo shows former NewJeans member Danielle (L) and Min Hee-jin, a former chief executive of ADOR, the agency behind the girl group. (Yonhap)