Danielle’s Comments About Min Hee-jin In Court Sparked Netizens’ Concerns Over Newjeans’ Dependence On Former CEO

On the morning of March 7, the 50th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court conducted a hearing regarding ADOR’s request for an injunction to maintain its management rights over NewJeans and prevent the members from signing independent advertising contracts.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge invited the members to share any final remarks. Each member took the opportunity to express their thoughts.

Haerin began, “Seeing HYBE and other labels diminish our achievements and tarnish our image while ADOR remains passive has left us feeling helpless. Min Hee-jin and we were achieving great success and happiness together, so I can’t comprehend why we were separated. It’s unbearable to work with a company where trust has been shattered, and being forced to do so is intolerable.”

Danielle followed, “We are deeply attuned to each member’s well-being, always mindful of injuries and health. What I want to say is that while we perform as five members, our team is six—including Min Hee-jin. It has been heartbreaking to see her targeted by unfounded articles, and I’ve feared losing her. I want to continue working with her in the future.”

Hyein added, “ADOR’s management has shifted, replacing Min Hee-jin, who always respected us, with HYBE executives who dismiss our opinions. When we raised concerns and sought solutions, we were told to stay silent to avoid internal conflicts. Without Min Hee-jin, we cannot present inauthentic work to the public.”

Hanni remarked, “The current ADOR criticizes the staff who have supported us from the beginning, yet they claim they want to work with us. But how can we trust a company filled with such people?”

Minji stated, “HYBE’s prolonged mistreatment and discrimination have deeply wounded us. ADOR keeps saying they are doing their best and that everything will be fine if we return, but those words only deepen our pain. We ask the court to understand our feelings.”

After the members finished speaking, Danielle raised her hand and requested to speak again, saying, “I have something more to say.”

She continued, “It was incredibly painful before we left ADOR, but after leaving, I realized just how difficult it truly was. The managers, CEO, and stylists I trusted are no longer there. If we return, I don’t know who will protect us. I’m 21 years old, and I don’t want to endure another five years like that. No matter the outcome of this case, I want to make it clear that I have no desire to remain with ADOR.” She then broke down in tears.

As NewJeans remains steadfast in their fight to break away from ADOR, their emotional courtroom testimonies highlight their unwavering determination to regain creative freedom and reunite with Min Hee-jin. With the legal battle over their exclusive contract still unresolved, the struggle for the group’s future is far from reaching its conclusion.

Regarding Danielle’s testimonies, many netizens raised concerns over NewJeans members overly depending on Min Hee-jin. They commented:

• The court should call in a child/youth psychologist for a consultation…
• It seriously looks like NewJeans are so influenced by their former boss that they are clearly not capable of making rational, independent decisions in their own wellbeing
• “afraid of losing her” is what you say when you think your girl is about to break up with you LOL
• Nah she needs help, like actually this is so concerning
• Man… at this point its either MHJ absolutely brainwashed them or she has some kind of dirt on them. There is absolutely no way you can defend this woman after all the lying and evidence that has leaked
• She even called them pigs yet here we are. I just don’t get it
• Anyone want to tell these girls that MHJ abandoned them? She left. It was CEO or nothing. She was offered to stay and work with NJs. Just not as CEO, and she said no and left. Blame her, girls. Unless you are working with her in tampering.

Meanwhile, the first hearing for the exclusive contract validity lawsuit between ADOR and NewJeans is scheduled for April 3, 2025.