According to Korean media, on April 24, legal representatives of ADOR company (under HYBE Group) from Kim & Chang law firm submitted a notice of withdrawal from the lawsuit demanding compensation for damages of 43.1 billion won (about 30 million USD) underway against former NewJeans member Danielle.
Kim & Chang filed for withdrawal from the case just 3 weeks before an important hearing. This sudden move has faced much harsh criticism, with many opinions saying that this is ADOR's "strategic time-wasting" tactic, aimed at prolonging the artist's interruption period.
According to the Seoul Central District Court, the withdrawal took place right before the important litigation milestones scheduled for May 14 and July 2. The lawsuit was filed by ADOR against Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.
Legal experts expressed surprise at this time, saying that it is very rare for a large law firm to withdraw right before important procedures.
Danielle's side believes that this is a deliberate effort to prevent her from returning to the entertainment industry. Since announcing the termination of her contract with ADOR in December 2025, she has been working as an independent artist, but her career has been heavily affected by a prolonged legal deadlock.
At the hearing in March, Danielle's side said: "Given the characteristics of the idol industry, if the lawsuit is prolonged, damage is inevitable. Although the plaintiff - as the management company - is fully aware that an important operating period may be affected, the case is being carried out in a delayed direction.
The female singer's legal team stated: "The longer the trial is delayed, the longer the artist's interruption time will be", emphasizing that ADOR's delay of the lawsuit has hindered Danielle's career path.
If ADOR appoints a new lawyer, it is highly likely that they will request postponement of upcoming hearings to have time to study the massive file.
However, the court can still decide to continue the trial regardless of the change of lawyer. According to civil procedure regulations, a judge has the right to refuse a request to change the schedule if it is found to be an intentional delay.
If the court prioritizes "quick trial", the hearing on May 14 may still take place as planned. In case ADOR does not have time to present evidence or appoint a new lawyer before that time, they may face a disadvantageous ruling or even have their lawsuit rejected.
While other NewJeans members such as Hanni, Haerin and Hyein are said to have returned or are discussing with ADOR, Danielle is still in a lonely position in this tens of millions of USD legal battle, making the decision on May 14 an important turning point for her career.
