Dispatch has released an extensive investigative report summarizing allegations presented during the third court hearing in ADOR's damages lawsuit against former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, NewJeans member Danielle, and Danielle's mother.
The hearing took place on July 2 at the Seoul Central District Court. According to Dispatch, ADOR presented what it described as a systematic plan carried out by Min Hee Jin and her associates to operate independently from the agency while building legal grounds to leave HYBE. These claims were presented by ADOR during ongoing court proceedings and remain disputed. No final judgment has been issued.
1. Independent Activities Under the Name "NJZ"
ADOR alleged that despite court rulings recognizing ADOR as the group's management agency, NewJeans proceeded with activities under the temporary name NJZ. According to Dispatch, the group performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong, introduced unreleased music, filmed promotional content, and sold merchandise without ADOR's involvement.
The report further claimed that ADOR representatives who arrived at the venue to deliver legal documents were denied access by security personnel.
2. ₩700 Million in Consulting Fees
Dispatch reported that documents related to the Hong Kong event allegedly showed approximately ₩700 million allocated as consulting fees.
According to the report, ADOR questioned why the consulting payment was reportedly larger than the artists' own performance guarantee and argued that the destination of those funds should be examined.
3. Alleged Secrecy Instructions
Dispatch cited internal chat logs that allegedly showed Min Hee Jin instructing staff members and parents not to disclose profile photoshoots or independent promotional plans until a separate business structure had been established.
ADOR argued that this demonstrated a deliberate effort to conceal activities while legal proceedings were ongoing.
4. Parent-Funded Operations
According to Dispatch, ADOR claimed that the members' parents created a cooperative to fund activities outside the agency.
The report states that expenses including travel, event preparations, venue rentals, practice rooms, staff costs, and promotional materials were allegedly paid using money from the cooperative rather than through ADOR.
5. Alleged Double Contract With Chinese-Backed Company
One of the most significant allegations involved an alleged parallel agreement with a Chinese-backed company identified as AAO.
Dispatch reported that ADOR claimed the members signed another exclusive agreement in 2024 after being introduced to an overseas investor connected to ComplexCon.
The agency argued that these agreements violated the members' existing exclusive contracts.
6. The September Livestream
Dispatch reported that ADOR argued the members' surprise YouTube livestream in September 2024 was carefully planned as part of a legal strategy.
According to court materials cited by Dispatch, Min allegedly believed the livestream would help demonstrate a breakdown in trust between the members and HYBE while strengthening their legal position.
7. Awareness of Contract Tampering Risks
ADOR also argued that internal communications contradicted previous public statements denying contract tampering.
Dispatch reported that messages presented in court allegedly showed discussions acknowledging potential tampering concerns while explaining why Min should remain publicly separated from the members during certain activities.
8. ILLIT Allegations
According to Dispatch, ADOR claimed Min Hee Jin edited legal materials submitted by the members and suggested including allegations involving ILLIT.
The agency argued these additions were intended to strengthen the members' legal arguments against HYBE.
9. Negotiations Conducted in "Bad Faith"
ADOR further alleged that meetings intended for mediation were never genuine settlement attempts.
According to Dispatch, the company claimed Min instructed parents to make demands that would likely be rejected while secretly collecting evidence to later argue that returning to ADOR had become impossible.
10. Why Danielle Was Treated Differently
Dispatch reported that ADOR devoted significant attention to Danielle during the hearing.
According to the agency, Danielle allegedly continued independent commercial and music activities after court rulings reaffirmed ADOR's management rights. ADOR cited an alleged music collaboration with Emotional Oranges, magazine shoots, luxury brand activities, and other commercial work.
The company also alleged that Danielle's mother coordinated communications with other parents regarding legal strategy and discussions surrounding the alleged overseas agreement.
ADOR argued these actions ultimately led to Danielle being treated differently from the other members in its contract termination proceedings.
Danielle's Legal Team Responds
Danielle's legal representatives denied ADOR's claims, arguing that she had been unfairly singled out and portrayed as the only member responsible for alleged contract violations.
Legal Battle Continues
The lawsuit remains ongoing, and the court has not reached a final decision on the allegations presented by either side. The next hearing is scheduled for July 23, 2026, as the high-profile legal dispute between ADOR, Min Hee Jin, and the NewJeans members continues.