Seoul: K-pop label ADOR has reduced its damages claim against former chief executive Min Hee-jin and former NewJeans member Danielle to 33.1 billion won (US$21.5 million) from an initial 43.1 billion won, legal sources said Friday. ADOR recently adjusted the claim following a lawsuit filed last December against the two individuals and a family member of Danielle, seeking compensation for the delayed activities of the girl group due to an extended contract dispute.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the reduction in the damages claim came after ADOR reevaluated the case with new legal representatives. An ADOR official stated that the company plans to continue strengthening its case. The next court hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for next Thursday.

The conflict arose after the group's members were caught in a dispute with ADOR, following Min's removal from her position in 2024 amid tensions with the label's parent company, Hybe. The members demanded Min's reinstatement, arguing that their contracts had been nullified due to alleged breaches by ADOR, leading them to pursue independent activities and prompting legal action by the agency.

In October, a Seoul district court ruled in favor of ADOR, upholding the validity of the members' contracts with the agency. This ruling led most members to return to ADOR. However, the agency terminated its contract with Danielle in December, stating she could no longer be part of NewJeans.