NewJeans’ Label Files $30 Million Lawsuit Against Former Member Danielle and Ex-CEO Min Hee-jin
Ador, the K-pop label behind NewJeans, has filed a lawsuit seeking approximately $30 million in damages against former group member Danielle, her family member, and Ador’s former chief executive Min Hee-jin, according to the BBC.
The legal action follows Ador’s recent decision to terminate Danielle’s exclusive contract amid ongoing efforts to resolve a prolonged dispute between the company and members of NewJeans. In a statement issued earlier this week, Ador signaled its intent to pursue litigation, asserting that Danielle’s family member and Min Hee-jin “bear significant responsibility” for both the dispute itself and delays surrounding the group’s attempted departure and possible return.
The lawsuit comes against the backdrop of months of legal and contractual turbulence involving one of K-pop’s most commercially successful groups. In November, all five members of NewJeans Hyein, Haerin, Hanni, Danielle, and Minji, indicated their intention to return to Ador after a South Korean court ruled against their attempt to sever ties with the label. That same month, Ador confirmed that Hyein and Haerin would resume activities with the company. In subsequent statements, the label said Hanni had also chosen to remain under contract, while Minji continued discussions regarding her future. Danielle, however, was formally released from her contract earlier this week.
The conflict traces back to fall 2024, when NewJeans publicly announced plans to leave Ador. The move followed HYBE’s dismissal of Min Hee-jin, who played a central role in the group’s formation and creative direction. HYBE accused Min of attempting to separate Ador from the conglomerate, allegations she has denied. At a press conference held shortly after, the members of NewJeans accused Ador of manipulation, mistreatment, deliberate miscommunication, and workplace harassment, all of which the label disputed.
After announcing their departure, the group sought to relaunch under the name NJZ, but HYBE and Ador swiftly challenged the move in court. In March, a judge halted the rebrand just ahead of the group’s scheduled debut performance under the new name. A subsequent ruling in June reaffirmed that the members were contractually obligated to remain with Ador through 2029.
While the group initially signaled plans to appeal that decision, negotiations with the label later resumed, resulting in partial returns and, now, Danielle’s exit and the filing of a substantial damages claim.
Ador has said it remains committed to restoring trust with both artists and fans, but the latest lawsuit underscores how far the situation has escalated and how uncertain the future of NewJeans remains as legal proceedings continue.
