Min Hee-jin, lawsuit set to resume

The first preparatory hearing for the damages lawsuit filed by ADOR against NewJeans member Danielle and former CEO Min Hee-jin will be held on the 26th. ADOR has filed a lawsuit seeking a penalty and damages against Danielle, and a lawsuit worth approximately 43 billion won against three individuals, including former CEO Min Hee-jin.

Previously, the NewJeans members demanded the return of former CEO Min Hee-jin, who was dismissed due to conflicts with HYBE. When this was not accepted, they claimed breach of their exclusive contract and sought contract termination. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, and the court ruled in favor of ADOR. Members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have confirmed their return, while Minji is in discussions. Danielle has been expelled from the team.

The court handling this lawsuit previously ruled in favor of former CEO Min Hee-jin in a put option lawsuit worth approximately 25.6 billion won between Min Hee-jin and HYBE in February. At that time, the court dismissed HYBE's claim and ruled that Min Hee-jin's exercise of the put option was legitimate and ordered HYBE to pay 25.6 billion won.

After winning the lawsuit, former CEO Min Hee-jin proposed in a press conference to end all disputes related to NewJeans in exchange for waiving the 25.6 billion won. This proposal included the termination of all lawsuits and complaints against NewJeans members, partner companies, employees, and the fandom.

Former CEO Min Hee-jin stated, "The place for me and HYBE should not be in court, but on the stage of creation," and proposed, "I suggest that we adults return to our original selves, competing with our skills not in court, but in music and on stage." She also proposed to HYBE and Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, "Let's meet now not in court, but in the place of creation."