Daniel's $35M Lawsuit: Legal Team Quits

Five lawyers from Kim & Chang, who have been representing ADOR, submitted their resignation to the court on the 24th. ADOR is reportedly in discussions to appoint new legal representatives as a measure to efficiently respond to the multiple ongoing lawsuits.

This resignation comes after the first preparatory hearing held on the 26th of last month. At that time, the court did not accept ADOR's request for an extension and recommended a swift trial. While Daniel's side has argued that ADOR is intentionally delaying the lawsuit by expanding the scope of defendants and requesting postponements, ADOR has maintained its position that it merely needs more time for review due to the complexity of the issues and has no intention of delaying.

Previously, in December of last year, ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking damages totaling 43.1 billion won, including penalty damages, against Daniel, his mother, and former CEO Min Heejin, citing a material breach of contract by Daniel. Specifically, ADOR sought 30 billion won in penalty damages and 3.1 billion won in damages for breach of contract from Daniel, and 10 billion won each from Daniel's mother and former CEO Min for their responsibility in NewJeans' departure and delayed return.

At the first preparatory hearing, Daniel's side criticized ADOR for intentionally delaying the lawsuit, emphasizing that prolonged litigation could cause irreparable and significant damage to him as an idol. They also pointed to ADOR's request to postpone the preparatory hearing by two months as evidence of their intent to delay. ADOR, in response, clarified that there was no intention to delay the trial.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Seoul Central District Court granted ADOR's request for provisional seizure of real estate owned by Daniel's mother and former CEO Min in February. The total claim amount is 7 billion won, with 2 billion won against Daniel's mother and 5 billion won against former CEO Min.