Former NewJeans member Danielle / Newsis
Amid ongoing litigation in which entertainment agency ADOR has filed a damages lawsuit worth approximately 43 billion won ($29 million) against former NewJeans member Danielle and others, ADOR’s entire legal team has stepped down.
Xportsnews confirmed on April 29 that five attorneys from Kim & Chang, who had been representing ADOR in the case, have all resigned. The resignations come less than a month after the first pretrial hearing, drawing speculation over possible reasons behind the move.
With the legal team stepping down, HYBE must now appoint new legal representatives. Some speculate that the trial could be prolonged as a result.
Meanwhile, Danielle’s legal representatives remain unchanged and will continue handling the case.
Former NewJeans member Danielle / Xportsnews
Previously, during the first pretrial hearing held on March 26 at Seoul Central District Court, the two sides clashed over the pace of proceedings.
At the time, Danielle’s side raised suspicions that ADOR was intentionally trying to delay the case, stating, “They recently requested to postpone the pretrial hearing by two months, which makes it seem like the plaintiff is trying to drag out the lawsuit.”
In response, ADOR denied any intention to delay, saying that the case involves many disputed issues requiring careful review. The court subsequently scheduled hearing dates for May 14 and July 2.
Last December, ADOR expelled Danielle from the group, claiming a serious breach of her exclusive contract, and filed the hefty damages lawsuit against her, one of her family members and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
Source: Korea Times News
