ADOR has revealed in court why it chose to terminate its exclusive contract with NewJeans' Danielle alone while pursuing a damages lawsuit against her, her mother, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

During the latest hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, ADOR argued that Danielle committed the most serious contract violations among the members and failed to take any steps to correct them.

ADOR's Main Allegations Against Danielle

  • She allegedly carried out independent music activities without ADOR.
  • She allegedly participated in commercial activities, including magazine shoots and brand work, without the agency's approval.
  • ADOR claimed she was involved in establishing a cooperative organization that functioned as a replacement management entity.
  • The company further alleged she entered into a "double contract" with a Chinese-backed company.
  • According to ADOR, despite repeated concerns, Danielle made no effort to resolve the alleged violations, making it impossible to rebuild trust.

Independent Activities Cited by ADOR

ADOR told the court that Danielle allegedly continued entertainment activities even after the court ruled that NewJeans' exclusive contracts with ADOR remained valid.

The agency cited:

  • A reported collaboration with Emotional Oranges (EO), claiming recordings had already taken place.
  • A photoshoot for Elle Singapore.
  • An exclusive partnership with luxury watch brand Omega.
  • A cover shoot for Paris Capital magazine.

ADOR argued that these activities relied on Danielle's status as a public entertainer and therefore required the agency's approval under her exclusive contract.

Cooperative and Double Contract Claims

ADOR also claimed that the cooperative established by NJZ was used to cover expenses related to entertainment activities, including staff costs, practice room rent, logo production, and promotional materials.

The agency further alleged that Danielle entered into a separate exclusive agreement with a Chinese-backed company. According to ADOR, after the court later reaffirmed the validity of the members' contracts, the other members cooperated in addressing the issue, but Danielle allegedly did not.

Danielle's Side Responds

Danielle's legal team denied ADOR's claims, arguing that she was unfairly singled out and treated as though she alone had violated the contract.

The case remains ongoing, and no final ruling has been made regarding ADOR's allegations.