News Hybe/MHJ Civil War Megathread (3 Viewers)

[RandAlThor]

lol nice try.


They also said projected earnings without Min Hee Jin’s producing involvement were impossible to estimate.

pretty sure that does not matter as teh projected is based by contract on the past earnings.

This is not likely to end well. the 50/50 girls are still in the darkness even after the sus producer got rights to the song.

 

[Selfmate]

lol nice try.


They also said projected earnings without Min Hee Jin’s producing involvement were impossible to estimate.

pretty sure that does not matter as teh projected is based by contract on the past earnings.

This is not likely to end well. the 50/50 girls are still in the darkness even after the sus producer got rights to the song.

they are allowed to make said argument no?
I mean the producer is a key part of song choice and thus removing the producer would have an impact on the group

like if you take Teddy from early BP as an example

now whether that argument holds up or not is up to the courts

 

[Selfmate]

HYBE Hit With Another Government Investigation, Linked To NewJeans

Danielle’s team filed the complaint.

HYBE and ADOR are facing another government investigation, this time from South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC).

On August 6, attorney Jung Jong Chae announced that his law firm had filed a complaint with the KFTC on behalf of NewJeans member Danielle.

According to the lawyer, the commission has officially begun investigating HYBE and ADOR over allegations of abuse of market dominance and unfair trade practices.

The complaint argues that Danielle was treated differently from the other NewJeans members despite being involved in the same contract dispute. The filing claims that ADOR terminated only Danielle’s contract and pursued hundreds of billions of won in penalties and damages against her.

Jung alleged that the lawsuit was not simply about recovering financial losses. Instead, he claimed it was intended to permanently remove Danielle from the K-Pop industry while sending a warning to other artists who may consider challenging their agencies.

The complaint also argues that HYBE holds a dominant position in the K-Pop industry and that its actions could have broader competitive effects in the market. According to the filing, imposing such large penalties on artists could discourage them from moving between agencies and make it harder for smaller companies to recruit talent.

Another major point raised in the complaint concerns the standard contract used by entertainment agencies. Jung argued that the penalty clauses are unfair because they are calculated based on revenue rather than actual profit, which can result in damages that far exceed an agency’s actual losses.

Lastly, the lawyer stated that Danielle’s ultimate goal is to return to activities as part of NewJeans alongside Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/hybe-faces-yet-another-government-investigation-linked-newjeans/

 

[RandAlThor]

HYBE Hit With Another Government Investigation, Linked To NewJeans

Danielle’s team filed the complaint.

HYBE and ADOR are facing another government investigation, this time from South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC).

On August 6, attorney Jung Jong Chae announced that his law firm had filed a complaint with the KFTC on behalf of NewJeans member Danielle.

According to the lawyer, the commission has officially begun investigating HYBE and ADOR over allegations of abuse of market dominance and unfair trade practices.

The complaint argues that Danielle was treated differently from the other NewJeans members despite being involved in the same contract dispute. The filing claims that ADOR terminated only Danielle’s contract and pursued hundreds of billions of won in penalties and damages against her.

Jung alleged that the lawsuit was not simply about recovering financial losses. Instead, he claimed it was intended to permanently remove Danielle from the K-Pop industry while sending a warning to other artists who may consider challenging their agencies.

The complaint also argues that HYBE holds a dominant position in the K-Pop industry and that its actions could have broader competitive effects in the market. According to the filing, imposing such large penalties on artists could discourage them from moving between agencies and make it harder for smaller companies to recruit talent.

Another major point raised in the complaint concerns the standard contract used by entertainment agencies. Jung argued that the penalty clauses are unfair because they are calculated based on revenue rather than actual profit, which can result in damages that far exceed an agency’s actual losses.

Lastly, the lawyer stated that Danielle’s ultimate goal is to return to activities as part of NewJeans alongside Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/hybe-faces-yet-another-government-investigation-linked-newjeans/

so i guess the position is that the contract termination never happened?
I think each member was treated differently, but its just like with kids ya treat each kid different.
As long a contract terms are followed .

 

[RandAlThor]

interesting
this is wild.

 

[Selfmate]

so i guess the position is that the contract termination never happened?
I think each member was treated differently, but its just like with kids ya treat each kid different.
As long a contract terms are followed .

just like a lawsuit Danielle's side will have to prove their claims of different treatment but also that Danielle did not more (or nothing less) to caused hybe to treat her so

 

[Selfmate]

ADOR Accuses Danielle of Breaches and Denial

ADOR seeks 43.1 billion won damages over Danielle's contract violations in third hearing

he third hearing date for the lawsuit involving NewJeans’ agency ADOR, former member Danielle, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin (current CEO of Ooak Records) was held.

On July 2, Seoul Central District Court Civil Mediation Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) conducted the third hearing for the damages lawsuit filed by ADOR against Danielle, her family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin.

Earlier, ADOR notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract in December last year, claiming that Danielle, one family member, and Min Hee-jin bear significant responsibility for causing the dispute, NewJeans’ departure, and delayed return. ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 43.1 billion Korean won in damages.

During the third hearing, ADOR pointed out that Danielle was the only NewJeans member to unilaterally pursue musician activities, independently execute commercial activities (magazine publication), establish a combination replacing the entertainment agency, and sign a dual contract with Chinese capital. Despite these violations being the most severe, Danielle made no effort to correct them and instead blamed ADOR or concealed facts, hindering the restoration of trust.

ADOR argued that Danielle attempted independent entertainment activities without their involvement, citing conversations between Min Hee-jin, NewJeans’ mothers, and lawyers on March 25–26, 2025, shortly after the court’s provisional disposition on March 21. ADOR stated, “Engaging in ‘performance’ or ‘singing’ without the plaintiff constitutes a breach of the exclusive contract.” They added, “The defendant claims there’s no breach if there’s no ‘result,’ like a music video, but this raises suspicions of hiding evidence.”

Regarding Danielle’s commercial activities (magazine publication), ADOR emphasized, “The magazines are purely commercial, leveraging her status as a public cultural artist. Even without a contract or payment, the exclusive contract prohibits unrelated entertainment activities, and violations are not determined by contracts or compensation.”

Danielle’s side argued that the combination established for cost payments was not problematic, stating, “The combination’s regulations mention profit distribution, and cost expenditures are for future profits.” However, ADOR revealed that despite the court’s March 21, 2025, ruling recognizing ADOR’s agency status, the Hong Kong Complexcon performance proceeded, with staff costs paid through the combination.

Costs for the press conference venue, practice room rentals, ‘NJZ’ logo design, and photo shoot expenses were also covered by the combination. ADOR noted, “Even if only costs were paid, establishing a combination for entertainment activities and using its funds for such purposes constitutes a similar contract violating the exclusive agreement.”

ADOR also highlighted a November 2025 recording of Danielle’s mother, stating, “Danielle consistently denied knowledge of contract breaches, unlike other members, and refused to address past issues. There was no intention to correct violations, making trust restoration impossible.”

Danielle’s side countered, “ADOR pieced together evidence to claim Danielle alone committed severe breaches, but these were known during prior litigation. Targeting Danielle unfairly ignores that all NewJeans members shared similar actions, such as the Hong Kong Complexcon appearance. ADOR never gave Danielle a chance to correct issues, as they had already decided to terminate the contract.”

Currently, NewJeans members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have returned, with Minji’s return under positive consideration.

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2026/07/02/POGOO6LPORFORIOMYK4EOZ2ZQE/

 

[Selfmate]

ADOR accuses Danielle of contract breaches and presses 43.1 billion won claim

A third hearing was held in the lawsuit between ADOR, the agency of the group NewJeans, former member Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin (currently CEO of ooak).

On the 2nd, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) held the third hearing in the damages lawsuit ADOR filed against Danielle and her family and former CEO Min Hee-jin.

Earlier, ADOR notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract in December last year and filed a damages lawsuit seeking about 43.1 billion won against Danielle, one member of Danielle's family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, saying they caused this dispute and bear significant responsibility for NewJeans' departure and the delay in their return.

At the third hearing, ADOR argued that Danielle was the only NewJeans member who independently carried out musician activities without permission, was the only one to unilaterally carry out commercial activities (publishing a magazine), formed an association to replace the agency and entered into a dual contract with Chinese capital, and that despite these being the most serious breaches she made no effort to correct them and instead blamed or concealed matters to obstruct the restoration of trust with the plaintiff (ADOR).

ADOR said Danielle attempted entertainment activities on her own without including them and cited conversations on March 25 and 26, shortly after the March 21 provisional injunction decision, between former CEO Min, the mothers of NewJeans members and lawyers as evidence. ADOR argued that if the defendant performed "instrumental performance" or "singing" without going through the plaintiff it would be a breach of the exclusive contract, and said the defendant claims "if there is no result such as a music video then it is not a contract violation," but it appears they may be hiding results.

ADOR also criticized Danielle's commercial activities (publishing a magazine), saying the magazines are entirely commercial and inevitably involve modeling activities based on the status and popularity of a popular culture artist. They said the argument that there was no violation because no contract was signed or no money was received is incorrect, because the exclusive contract with the plaintiff prohibits entertainment activities unrelated to the plaintiff and whether a breach occurred does not depend on a contract or payment.

On the point that NewJeans set up an association for the purpose of entertainment planning business, Danielle's side rebutted that "it was only to pay expenses, so there is no problem. The association rules also state a profit-distributing association, and ultimately expense payments are only for revenue." ADOR, however, said that despite the March 21 decision upholding ADOR's status as the agency, the Hong Kong ComplexCon performance proceeded and staff wages were paid as association expenses.

With reports that the venue rental fee for the press conference declaring NewJeans' exclusive contract termination, the rehearsal room rent that former CEO Min Hee-jin rented expecting male idols to use as well, the cost for the "NJZ" logo for the re-debut and the costs for photo shoots were also paid as association expenses, ADOR said that even if only expenses were paid, because the association was established for the purpose of entertainment planning business and entertainment activity expenses were paid, it would constitute entering into substantially the same type of contract for entertainment activities that violate the exclusive contract.

ADOR pointed to the fact that a dual contract was signed with a parent company of Chinese capital and said, referring to a 2025 recorded statement by Danielle's mother in November, that although the breach of the exclusive contract is the most serious, Danielle consistently pretended not to know about the breach unlike other members and responded with an attitude of not dwelling on past matters. It appears Danielle had no intention of taking corrective or equivalent measures. ADOR said there was noncooperation in correcting the breach and it was impossible to expect restoration of trust.

Danielle's side said the plaintiff stitched together evidence and, they learned of this content after the lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, they claim only defendant Danielle committed a serious violation, but the plaintiff already knew this during the earlier lawsuit. They argued Danielle was singled out as the target as if only she had violated the contract.

Danielle's side said that although ADOR claims only Danielle committed significant contract violations, in fact NewJeans members share many commonalities. They argued that if ADOR wants to claim a major breach, the Hong Kong ComplexCon appearance was a breach committed by all. They added that they do not know what ADOR had other members change or correct in practice, and asked if Danielle had been told to do something, could she not have done it? They said Danielle was never given the opportunity and had already decided to terminate the contract before sending the notice of termination.

Meanwhile, NewJeans currently has Haerin, Hye-in and Hanni returned, and Min-ji's return is also being positively reviewed.

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-entertainment/2026/07/03/3H6LTKCVHJE6ZGPQOFC66PXG7Q/?outputType=amp

 

[RandAlThor]

drama drama drama

 

[Selfmate]

drama drama drama

these were the days of our newjeans lives

 

[Selfmate]

NewJeans Members and HYBE Face Lawsuit Claiming ‘ETA’ Stole Instrumentals From Earlier Track

A publishing company alleges the horns and drums on the hit 2023 song are "virtually identical" to parts of a nearly 20-year-old dance track.

A new lawsuit alleges the hit 2023 NewJeans song “ETA” stole multiple elements from an instrumental dance track released nearly two decades earlier.

The Tuesday (July 7) legal complaint, first obtained and reported by Billboard, levels copyright infringement claims against NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein and Danielle, as well as their label ADOR and parent company HYBE. The lawsuit also names various writers, producers and companies involved in the creation and distribution of “ETA,” which was part of NewJeans’ chart-topping EP Get Up and hit No. 4 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Songs chart in August 2023.

A company called All Surface Publishing is claiming that “ETA” lifts instrumentals from “Samir’s Theme,” a 2005 dance track by the producer DJ Debonair Samir. Specifically, the lawsuit says both songs feature the same syncopated melodic horns, bass drums and rhythmic structures.

“Defendants, and each of them, included a combination of elements in ‘ETA’s’ musical composition (and sound recording embodying that composition) that is strikingly and/or substantially similar, and indeed virtually identical, to an original combination of elements from ‘Samir’s Theme’ without a license from or compensation to All Surface,” reads the complaint.

Multiple music critics pointed out the similarities between the two songs when NewJeans released Get Up in 2023. Pitchfork wrote that “ETA” “takes horns from the Baltimore club classic ‘Samir’s Theme,’” and Paste said the song features “a blaring horn line lifted from the quintessential 2000s Baltimore club track ‘Samir’s Theme.’”

All Surface says it sent a cease-and-desist letter to the various defendants last month, but no resolution was reached. The publisher is now seeking unspecified financial damages, including a portion of the “significant revenue and profits” generated by “ETA.”

Reps for HYBE and ADOR did not immediately return a request for comment on the lawsuit.

This is not the first time All Surface has brought copyright infringement litigation over “Samir’s Theme.” In 2024, the publisher sued Pitbull’s label, Mr. 305 Inc., for allegedly copying the track on his 2021 dance hit “I Feel Good.” That case ended in a settlement last year.

NewJeans, meanwhile, was hit with a different copyright lawsuit two months ago claiming its 2024 song “How Sweet” used elements from a songwriting demo without compensation. ADOR denied those claims in a statement to Billboard, saying “no form of copying or infringement took place.”

The group and its label home have been embroiled in an internal legal battle of their own over the last several years. In 2024, all five original members attempted to sever ties with ADOR and go independent under the new moniker NJZ following the controversial firing of CEO Min Hee-jin. This led to a lawsuit, and ADOR ultimately prevailed when a South Korean court ruled in October that the women must remain under an exclusive contract until 2029.

In the wake of that ruling, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein all decided to return to ADOR and resume working with the label. Minji is still deciding whether to do the same. Danielle will not be part of NewJeans’ future; she was formally dropped from the group in December and is now facing further legal action from ADOR over her role in the attempted breakaway.

Source: https://www.billboard.com/pro/newjeans-members-hybe-copyright-lawsuit-song-eta/

 

[Selfmate]

"Let's stop this now," Min Hee-jin, HYBE and put option lawsuit second round.. September appeal trial begins

The appeal trial regarding the put option payment dispute between HYBE and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin will begin in September.

According to legal sources on the 8th, the Seoul High Court Civil Division 18-3 will hold the first argument session on September 18 for the lawsuit filed by Min Jeon (CEO) and others against HYBE seeking payment for stock transactions.

The lawsuit filed by HYBE against Min Jeon (CEO) to confirm the termination of a shareholder agreement is also scheduled for the same day. This case will be heard by Seoul High Court Civil Division 18-2.

Previously, the first-instance court ruled in favor of Min Jeon (CEO) in both cases. The first-instance court stated, "HYBE must pay Min Jeon (CEO) an amount equivalent to 25.5 billion won, former executive vice president Shin a certain amount equivalent to 1.7 billion won, and former director Kim a certain amount equivalent to 1.4 billion won."

The lawsuit filed by HYBE against Min Jeon (CEO) to confirm the termination of a shareholder agreement was dismissed. Following this, HYBE appealed the first-instance ruling and successfully requested the court to suspend enforcement related to the payment of put option payments until the appeal trial judgment is announced.

HYBE and Min Jeon (CEO) have continued their conflict over allegations of a 2024 management takeover attempt and discrimination against NewJeans. In August of that year, HYBE announced the termination of its shareholder agreement with Min Jeon (CEO), and in November, Min Jeon (CEO) notified HYBE of its intention to exercise put options on Ador shares, marking the start of legal battles.

Among these developments, Min Jeon (CEO) held a press conference at Kyowon Challenge Hall in Seoul Jongno-gu last February regarding the first-instance victory in lawsuits seeking payment for stock transactions related to the exercise of put options worth 25.5 billion won against HYBE and confirming the termination of shareholder agreements. "Instead of accepting 25.6 billion won, I propose that all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits be immediately halted and all disputes be resolved," he said.

He added, "This proposal includes not only myself but also NewJeans members, outsourcing partners, former Ador employees, and even the termination of all complaints and reports filed against fans hurt by this conflict." He concluded with the message, "Let us meet now not in our courtrooms, but at the place of creation."

Source: https://www.starnewskorea.com/en/music/2026/07/08/2026070810292433388

 

[Selfmate]

NewJeans Reunites All Members for Anniversary Content

Group Releases Special Content Featuring Minji Amid Return Discussions with ADOR

NewJeans released a special film and photos on the 22nd to commemorate their fourth debut anniversary. This included not only Hyein, Hanni, and Haerin, who have returned to ADOR, but also Minji, who is currently discussing her return with ADOR, evoking delight.

This marks the first time in 1 year and 4 months that NewJeans has released content featuring all members.

During this period, NewJeans members were spotted in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the U.S., sparking rumors of a comeback. However, ADOR stated, "The visit to Copenhagen was part of the pre-production process to capture NewJeans’ new musical narrative. The members are currently preparing for activities according to their individual conditions and optimized schedules. We will officially announce specific future plans at the most appropriate time."

In May, although no official statement was released for Minji’s birthday, the NewJeans official account posted birthday celebration content, hinting at a positive atmosphere.

Now, on the occasion of their fourth anniversary, the group has raised expectations again by releasing content featuring four members. However, ADOR added, "Specific activity plans and methods for NewJeans will be announced after discussions are finalized."

NewJeans declared in November 2024 that they would pursue independent activities after their exclusive contracts with ADOR were terminated. They even changed their team name to NJZ and took a confrontational stance against ADOR. However, after the court ruled in favor of ADOR in both the preliminary injunction request and the lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, the members changed their position and announced their return to ADOR.

However, ADOR officially confirmed only the returns of Haerin and Hyein in November last year. A month later, in December, Hanni’s return was also accepted. The status of Minji remains under discussion.

Regarding Daniel, ADOR notified him of contract termination. Additionally, ADOR filed a damages lawsuit seeking around 33 billion Korean won against Daniel, one member of his family, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2026/07/22/5DMLSY4TX5ADVE2IOV5JSTNBGM/

 

[Selfmate]

NewJeans Back as a Four-Member Group? Minji Joins, Danielle Marsh Out in 4th Anniversary Content... ADOR Says It Is "Discussing"

NewJeans has reunited.

On the 22nd, NewJeans released a special film and photos to mark its fourth debut anniversary. The content included Hyein, Hanni and Haerin, who have returned to ADOR, as well as Minji, who is reportedly discussing a return with the agency.

It was the first full-group content from NewJeans in 1 year and 4 months.

Rumors of a comeback had circulated after NewJeans members were spotted in Copenhagen, Denmark, and in the United States. However, ADOR said, "The visit to Copenhagen was part of the pre-production process to build NewJeans' new musical narrative. NewJeans members are currently preparing for activities according to each member's condition and schedules optimized for them, and we will officially share specific future plans at the best possible time."

In May, on Minji's birthday, the agency did not issue an official statement. Instead, it posted birthday content for Minji on NewJeans' official account, signaling a positive atmosphere.

This time, too, the group raised expectations again by releasing four-member content to celebrate its anniversary. ADOR, however, said, "We plan to announce NewJeans' specific activity plans and format once discussions are fully finalized."

In November 2024, NewJeans declared that it would pursue independent activities after terminating its exclusive contract with ADOR. The group even changed its name to NJZ and took a hard line against ADOR, but after the court ruled in ADOR's favor in both the injunction case and the lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract, the members changed course and said all of them would return to ADOR.

ADOR later officially confirmed the return of Haerin and Hyein in November last year. A month later, in December, it also accepted Hanni's return. Minji's status remained under discussion.

As for Danielle Marsh, ADOR notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract. The agency also filed a damages lawsuit worth about 33 billion won against Danielle Marsh, one family member, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

Source: https://www.sportschosun.com/en/celebrity/2026-07-22/202607220100132540008427

 

[Selfmate]

How Much Would NewJeans Have Earned at ADOR? Min Hee-jin’s Omnipotence Theory Rebutted

What if NewJeans had managed to preserve its golden era?

On the 23rd, the 4th hearing in ADOR’s roughly 33 billion won damages lawsuit against former NewJeans member Danielle, Danielle’s mother, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, now head of OOAK Records, was held at the Seoul Central District Court’s 31st Civil Division, presided over by Judge Nam In-soo.

A key point of the day was questioning the expert witness to estimate the scale of damages caused by NewJeans’ suspension of activities.

ADOR asked the court to calculate the sales and profit NewJeans would likely have generated if it had continued normal activities from November 2024, when the group notified ADOR that it was terminating its exclusive contract, through November 2025, when it announced its return to ADOR.

However, Danielle’s side argued, "Please consider whether it is reasonable to calculate revenue based on the period when Min Hee-jin was still there. The fact that no new producer was appointed after Min Hee-jin stepped down as producer shows how difficult producing really is. In the entertainment industry, revenue is heavily affected not only by an artist’s popularity, but also by production, direction, and agency support. The changed circumstances must be reflected, including the departure of staff who worked with Min Hee-jin."

Min Hee-jin’s side added, "Min Hee-jin’s direction was the source of NewJeans’ revenue," while Danielle’s mother’s side said, "How popular NewJeans will be next year or the year after is unknown. It is difficult to assess how attractive the members are or how great Min Hee-jin’s personal capabilities are."

In response, ADOR countered, "The one that gained popularity was the artist, not the producer. Even if Min Hee-jin’s producing was involved, it has already been absorbed into ADOR and NewJeans, so there is no need to exclude it when making estimates. The defendant’s claim that the trust relationship between ADOR and NewJeans had broken down is also something that should not be considered in the assessment, because the court has already issued a final ruling saying otherwise. They are arguing that the producer should be assumed to have changed and speaking as if ADOR had nothing, but we already have everything in place."

ADOR also rejected the argument that it would be unfair for Danielle alone to bear responsibility for the consequences of NewJeans’ collective actions, saying, "This case includes damages claims against the person who caused all five NewJeans members to leave, so the amount of lost revenue must be calculated. How much of that can be claimed from Danielle is something we will assess."

The court ordered the first expert report to be submitted by the next hearing on September 10. The next hearing was set for October 22.

In November 2024, NewJeans notified ADOR that its exclusive contract had been terminated and declared independent activities. However, the court sided with ADOR in its injunction request and lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract. Later, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni returned to ADOR in November and December 2025. Minji is reportedly in positive discussions with ADOR about her future.

ADOR, however, notified Danielle that her exclusive contract had been terminated, citing responsibility for the situation. It also filed a damages lawsuit against Danielle, her mother, and former CEO Min Hee-jin.

Source: https://www.sportschosun.com/en/celebrity/2026-07-24/202607240100147960009404

 

[Selfmate]

If NewJeans Had Continued Activities?.. ADOR vs. Hee-jin Min & Daniel, Core Issue is 'Estimated Revenue'

ADOR, a label under HYBE, and Daniel, a former member of the girl group NewJeans, along with ADOR Jeon (CEO) Hee-jin Min, engaged in a fierce legal battle over the criteria for calculating NewJeans' 'estimated revenue'.

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Seoul Central District Court Civil Collegiate Panel No. 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) held the fourth argument session in ADOR's lawsuit for damages filed against Daniel, his family, and Hee-jin Min.

During this session, an expert witness examination requested by the plaintiff, ADOR, was conducted, revealing sharp differences between both sides regarding the criteria for calculating 'estimated revenue' by sector that could have arisen had the exclusive contracts been fulfilled normally.

The defense side emphasized that ADOR's past sales performance resulted from operations under Hee-jin Min's directing system and argued that revenue should be calculated based on a scenario where she was absent. Additionally, the defense explained that the girl group's revenue structure differs from simple manufacturing industries, as it is achieved only when directing staff work in complete unity.

They further pointed out that since Hee-jin Min resigned and the staff who assisted her also left the company, and no successor producer has been appointed yet, generating normal sales would be difficult during this period. The defense requested the court to consider that a decline in revenue due to diminished management capabilities must be factored into the appraisal, noting that trust between ADOR and NewJeans had already seriously broken down prior to contract termination and that there were circumstances indicating ADOR failed to provide proper management.

In contrast, the plaintiff side dismissed the defense's arguments with the logic that the core driver of popularity and revenue is not the producer but the artists' inherent capabilities. ADOR countered that, based on past activity trends, all five members of NewJeans possess sufficient capability to continue entertainment activities at the same level indefinitely.

Even if Hee-jin Min's contribution was significant in past performance, that capability has already been internalized within the company system of ADOR and the artists of NewJeans, so it should not be excluded from revenue estimates. Regarding the gap caused by replacing the producer, ADOR drew a line stating that if the company's support systems are in place, internal personnel can be utilized or outsourcing employed to resolve any issues, making the time required for appointing a successor irrelevant as a consideration factor.

Furthermore, regarding the defense's claim that trust had broken down, ADOR countered, "Since the court has already issued a final ruling stating otherwise, this should be excluded from the appraisal." The plaintiff also emphasized that the core of this lawsuit is to estimate the normal profits ADOR would have earned had Hee-jin Min not induced members to engage in illegal activities and halt operations.

Citing Supreme Court precedents, ADOR added that album cancellations or income losses resulting from accidental and abnormal situations arising from disputes should be excluded; instead, past growth trends and maintained revenue flows should be treated as normal conditions to calculate one year's worth of revenue.

The defense side was also criticized for failing to submit even objective data regarding the producer's contribution, making their request for an appraisal based on Hee-jin Min's absence unreasonable. ADOR pointed out that if such a request were necessary, a separate expert examination application should have been filed.

The next argument session is scheduled for 3 p.m. on September 10.

Source: https://www.starnewskorea.com/en/music/2026/07/23/2026072317362096574

 

[Selfmate]

Verdict on Min Hee-jin's Harassment Cover-up Set for October 15

Court previously ruled Min engaged in workplace harassment; her complaint against investigators dismissed for lack of evidence

The verdict on allegations that former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin covered up sexual harassment and workplace bullying is expected in October.

On July 23, the 4th hearing for a 100 million Korean won damages lawsuit filed by former ADOR employee A against former CEO Min was held at the Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Division 21.

A claimed that during their tenure at ADOR, they suffered workplace bullying and sexual harassment from former Vice President B, and that former CEO Min, aware of this, attempted to conceal it. Former CEO Min denied all allegations, stating that A’s claims were untrue and that the issue was resolved through proper procedures.

The court, determining that no additional evidence or documents would be submitted by either party, decided to conclude the hearing. The final ruling is scheduled for 2 p.m. on October 15.

Meanwhile, regarding A’s complaint filed with the Seoul Employment Labor Office, the Seoul Western Regional Office of the Seoul Regional Employment Labor Office ruled that "former CEO Min’s remarks toward A exceeded appropriate professional boundaries, causing physical and mental distress or worsening the work environment, constituting workplace harassment," imposing a fine.

Former CEO Min appealed, but the court upheld the decision, reducing the fine slightly while affirming that "former CEO Min did engage in workplace harassment against A."

Former CEO Min also filed a complaint against Seoul Regional Employment Labor Office investigators for dereliction of duty, but the Seoul Mapo Police Station dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence.

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2026/07/23/3CJXTXMOVNH3XAC3JYUAMJDRX4/

 

[Selfmate]

Court Expert Says Min Hee Jin’s Presence Doesn’t Always Guarantee NewJeans’ Success

A court-appointed expert stated that Min Hee Jin's involvement does not automatically guarantee NewJeans' success during the latest hearing in ADOR's damages lawsuit.

A court-appointed financial expert stated that Min Hee Jin‘s involvement alone does not guarantee commercial success during the latest hearing in ADOR‘s damages lawsuit against NewJeans member Danielle, her family, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

The fourth hearing took place on July 23 at the Seoul Central District Court, where both sides debated how to estimate the revenue NewJeans could have generated had the group’s exclusive contracts remained in effect.

During the hearing, the plaintiff requested that the court-appointed expert calculate the estimated revenue NewJeans would have earned across various business activities if the group had continued fulfilling its exclusive contract with ADOR.

The valuation is expected to play a key role in determining potential damages in the ongoing lawsuit. Representatives for the defendants argued that using NewJeans’ past financial performance under Min Hee Jin’s leadership would not accurately reflect what would have happened after the relationship between the parties deteriorated. According to the defense, several important factors should be considered:

NewJeans’ previous revenue was generated while Min Hee Jin was leading ADOR.
Trust between ADOR and the members had already broken down before the contract termination.
ADOR’s management capabilities had allegedly declined after Min Hee Jin stepped down.
No new producer was appointed after her departure.
Many key staff members who had supported Min Hee Jin also left the company.

The defense argued that these changes would likely have affected the group’s future earnings and should therefore be reflected in any revenue estimate.

Responding to those arguments, the court-appointed expert emphasized that Min Hee Jin’s involvement should not automatically be viewed as a guarantee of continued success. “In a way, just because Min Hee Jin is involved doesn’t mean things will always go well. There have also been cases where they didn’t.”

The expert added that if comparable industry data could be obtained, it could be incorporated into the evaluation to better isolate the impact of her leadership. He further explained that any estimates would rely on available historical data and industry experience, with all assumptions clearly documented.

The expert’s analysis is expected to become an important piece of evidence as the court determines whether ADOR suffered financial damages and, if so, how those losses should be calculated.

Rather than relying solely on NewJeans’ past commercial success, the court appears to be examining whether changes in management, production, and the relationship between the parties would have materially affected the group’s future earnings.

Source: https://kbizoom.com/min-hee-jin-newjeans-revenue-estimation-court-expert/

 

[RandAlThor]

With the money ADOR had available they could have picked up a killer team at the drop of a hat for a cb.
Now if the girls would have sold it is another matter, which may be why there have been no comebacks ( really do not know the skill level of the 3 that are back in the fold ie if one is a main vocal or not.)
It is funny the defense keeps pointing back to issues that were already ruled against them.
Bottom line is they were on fire, and if they did not throw a public hissy fit even swapping out MHJ should have not caused dramatic failure.
Heck look at the sm gg groups( red velvet ect ) she was running and check follow up comebacks did just as well or better. Red velvet has been fine even with Yeri throwing MHJ under the bus.

 

[Selfmate]

With the money ADOR had available they could have picked up a killer team at the drop of a hat for a cb.
Now if the girls would have sold it is another matter, which may be why there have been no comebacks ( really do not know the skill level of the 3 that are back in the fold ie if one is a main vocal or not.)
It is funny the defense keeps pointing back to issues that were already ruled against them.
Bottom line is they were on fire, and if they did not throw a public hissy fit even swapping out MHJ should have not caused dramatic failure.
Heck look at the sm gg groups( red velvet ect ) she was running and check follow up comebacks did just as well or better. Red velvet has been fine even with Yeri throwing MHJ under the bus.

I thin they need to wait until the right time for a comeback (maybe they already have it ready and filmed and recorded ??? - what is the right time??? who knows

I think the biggest thing will be the expert's testimony as to how much damages Hybe may be entitled to receive and whether Dani/MHJ's side will be able to adduce evidence to lower that figure