Ador Files £22.1 Million Lawsuit Against Former NewJeans Member

Ador, the management company for the K-pop group NewJeans, has initiated a civil lawsuit against former member Danielle Marsh, her family, and the former CEO Min Hee Jin. The lawsuit, filed on March 4, 2024, seeks damages amounting to £22.1 million (approximately 43.1 billion won). This legal action coincided with Ador’s announcement of the termination of Marsh’s exclusive contract.

NewJeans, which gained massive popularity with its unique sound and aesthetic, consists of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. The group is managed by Ador, a sublabel under the South Korean entertainment giant Hybe, known for other major acts such as BTS and Le Sserafim.

The conflict between Ador and NewJeans has been escalating for several months, particularly after the group expressed intentions to rebrand and operate independently under the name NJZ. This situation first arose in April 2024 when Hybe accused Min Hee Jin of attempting to separate the group from Ador, leading to an internal audit and her subsequent dismissal.

In a dramatic turn, NewJeans unilaterally declared their contract with Ador invalid, alleging that the company lacked the ability and willingness to protect the group’s interests. Ador countered these claims, asserting that they had not violated any contractual terms and sought legal confirmation of the contracts’ validity.

A recent ruling by a Seoul court sided with Ador, affirming that the exclusive contracts of NewJeans members remain valid until at least 2029 and ordering a suspension of any independent activities by the group. Following this decision, Ador expressed its commitment to supporting NewJeans and announced plans for their future activities, including a new studio album.

On the same day of the contract termination, Ador disclosed that it had engaged in extensive discussions with the group members and their families. The label indicated that it had become clear that continuing as a member of NewJeans would be “difficult” for Danielle. Consequently, Ador is pursuing legal action not just against her but also against Min Hee Jin and a family member of Danielle for their alleged roles in the ongoing disputes.

Ador accused Danielle of entering into arrangements that conflicted with her contract, which were not resolved within the designated timeframe. The label claimed these discussions revealed that the members had been subjected to distorted information, leading to misunderstandings about the company and the nature of the dispute.

This latest development has disappointed fans who were hopeful for a reunion of the original five-member lineup. NewJeans has enjoyed significant success since their debut in 2022, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success, further solidified by their distinct musical style and nostalgic aesthetic.

After the court’s ruling, Ador announced that members Haerin and Hyein had chosen to continue their activities with the label. Shortly thereafter, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle released a statement indicating they were also considering a return to Ador. Currently, Hanni has confirmed her intention to stay with the label, while Minji is still engaged in discussions regarding her future.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for NewJeans and its members remain significant, with the legal landscape potentially reshaping their careers and the dynamics within the K-pop industry.