Will NewJeans’ Lawsuit Against Former Members End in a Shocking Settlement?

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[Sports Today reporter Yoon Hye-young] The agency representing NewJeans, ADOR, addressed the possibility of a settlement in the damages suit it filed against former member Daniel and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The complaint seeks ₩43.1 billion (approximately $32,325,000).

On the morning of the 26th, Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo) held the first preparatory hearing in the ₩43.1 billion (approximately $32,325,000) damages case brought by ADOR against Daniel, one of his family members, and former CEO Min Hee-jin (now head of OK Records).

At the hearing, the court asked both parties whether settlement was an option. Counsel for ADOR responded, “We wouldn’t say there’s no possibility at all.”

Daniel’s attorney countered, “This is the first time we’ve heard the plaintiff say it is open to settlement, given that they filed a suit seeking such a large penalty.”

ADOR’s legal team clarified that the comment was made because disputes often create opportunities for mediation or direct talks. “We aren’t insisting this must be resolved only by a court ruling,” they said, adding that they are willing to follow the judge’s procedures.

Daniel’s side told the court that Daniel had expressed willingness to return to ADOR, but that the agency moved to terminate the contract, which led to the current litigation.

The court pressed again on mediation, noting it had previously inquired about the parties’ willingness to negotiate. Daniel’s attorney said they were surprised to hear the defense suggest mediation might be possible even if ADOR initially declined, but they would consider the option.

The judge observed that most disputes involving alleged tampering with artists and their agencies tend to be resolved through settlement rather than final judgments. While precedent often leads to settlement, the court said definitive rulings are hard to find. The judge encouraged both sides to proceed with litigation while keeping mediation on the table, suggesting that negotiations could produce mutually acceptable terms and advising against setting rigid preconditions.

Daniel’s team replied that depending on how the case unfolds, they might pursue mutual mediation and asked the court to leave that option open as proceedings continue.

[Sports Today reporter Yoon Hye-young ent@stoo.com]
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