ADOR has hit an unexpected snag in its ongoing legal fight with Danielle. On April 24, Kim & Chang, the major law firm representing ADOR in its 43.1 billion won damages lawsuit. Five individuals from ADOR’s legal team have submitted resignation letters from the case against NewJeans Danielle.
The five individuals are reportedly a part of Kim & Chang premier law firm and one of Asia’s largest law firms. They filed a notice of withdrawal with the Seoul Central District Court.
Why Does Withdrawal Happen Before the Next Hearing?
This move came just 3 weeks before the case’s next hearing, which is currently scheduled for May 14 and July 2. The reason for the resignation has not been public. Legal experts noted that it is “extremely unusual” for a top-tier firm to resign this close to a pivotal trial date.
This has sparked rumors of either a massive disagreement between ADOR and their counsel or the lawyers realized they don’t have enough evidence to win their $32 million claim. For now, the sudden withdrawal of Kim & Chang has added fresh doubt to the ADOR Danielle lawsuit.
ADOR previously said it terminated Danielle’s exclusive contract in December 2025, alleging unauthorized activities, massive revenue losses, conflicting agreements, and reputational harm. The agency’s lawsuit also names a relative of Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, claiming they were responsible for delays and disruptions to NewJeans’ activities.
Is ADOR Trying To Ruin Her Career
However, Danielle’s team is also fighting back. At an earlier hearing, her legal team accused ADOR of dragging the case and argued that the delays are damaging her at a critical point in her career.
ADOR has denied that, saying that the lawsuit is just a normal legal dispute over contract rules and money. They insisted that it is not an attempt to interfere with her entertainment work. Now, the timing of this withdrawal is only intensifying that debate.
