ADOR claims Min Hee Jin “actively engineered” NewJeans contract termination, alleging compensation promises to parents

11 Jun 2026, 08:02 by Demian09 · allkpop

ADOR has alleged that former CEO Min Hee Jin (now CEO of ooak Records) actively orchestrated efforts behind the scenes to induce members of NewJeans to terminate their exclusive contracts.

On June 11, during the second hearing of a damages lawsuit held by the Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam In Soo), ADOR argued that Min breached her fiduciary duties as an inside director, including her duty of loyalty and duty of care as a good manager. The company further claimed that she had directly encouraged the termination of exclusive contracts.

As key evidence, ADOR presented alleged SNS conversations from October 2024. According to ADOR, Min Hee Jin told the parents of NewJeans members that she would “directly design a plan to ensure they do not suffer financial losses” and that she would “prepare compensation if they left HYBE.” ADOR argued that these statements demonstrate an active attempt to persuade and structure the contract termination process.

ADOR also pointed to the family of member Danielle, claiming they played a central role in the process. The company described Danielle’s family as “the most proactive among the parents allegedly cooperating with Min Hee Jin’s unlawful actions,” while also questioning whether the decision-making truly reflected the members’ own intentions.

Furthermore, ADOR asserted that Min Hee Jin actively facilitated the process and that Danielle’s family served as an important coordinator between Min Hee Jin, the parents, and the members.

Meanwhile, ADOR is currently pursuing a damages lawsuit against Danielle, her family, and former CEO Min Hee Jin over alleged breach of exclusive contracts. The company has also revised its claimed damages from 43.1 billion KRW (approximately 31.9 million USD) to 33.09 billion KRW (approximately 24.5 million USD).

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