What began as backstage friction inside one of K-pop’s most closely scrutinized girl groups has now burst into the open, transforming into a courtroom showdown with millions at stake. ADOR has filed a damages lawsuit seeking 43.1 billion won ($32 million), naming Danielle, one of her family members and former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin as defendants, legal sources said.

The legal action, which seeks contractual penalties and damages totaling 43.1 billion won, was filed Wednesday and assigned to Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court. A date for the first hearing has yet to be announced.

From Creative Tensions to Legal Warfare

According to people familiar with the case, ADOR alleges that the defendants played central roles in igniting and deepening internal conflict, ultimately disrupting group activities. Alongside Danielle, the agency identified a family member as having exercised significant influence during the dispute. Former CEO Min Hee-jin, once at the helm of ADOR, is also named in the suit.

ADOR argues that the combined actions of those involved caused material harm to the company, prompting it to seek both damages and enforcement of contractual penalties.

Status of NewJeans Members Clarified

The lawsuit follows a public statement released by ADOR on Dec. 29 detailing the status of individual NewJeans members. The agency said Hanni returned to South Korea with her family and, after extensive discussions, agreed to resume activities while respecting the court’s judgment.

Minji, ADOR added, remains in ongoing talks with the agency, with both sides aiming to “expand mutual understanding,” signaling that negotiations remain fluid for some members.

Contract Termination for Danielle

In contrast, ADOR said it formally notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract. The agency stated it had concluded that continuing the working relationship was no longer feasible, effectively ending Danielle’s role as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist.

ADOR emphasized that the decision followed careful consideration and reflected what it described as an irreparable breakdown in trust.

Legal Accountability Ahead

The agency reiterated that it intends to pursue legal responsibility against Danielle’s family member and Min Hee-jin, underscoring its resolve to respond “firmly” through the courts. As the case moves forward, it places one of K-pop’s most high-profile internal disputes under judicial scrutiny.

Like a stage curtain pulled back too abruptly, the lawsuit exposes the pressures beneath the polished surface of the global music industry — and signals that this conflict, once whispered behind the scenes, will now play out under the unforgiving lights of the courtroom.