ADOR Intensifies Legal Action Against Min Hee-Jin and Danielle Marsh's Mother
Legal Battle Escalates
ADOR has ramped up its legal confrontation with Min Hee-Jin and the mother of former NewJeans member Danielle Marsh, marking a significant intensification in their ongoing dispute. The agency has successfully obtained a court order to freeze the personal assets of both Min Hee-Jin and Danielle's mother as part of its 43.0 billion KRW (approximately $29.2 million) damages lawsuit. This development follows a court ruling that validated the exclusive contracts of the remaining NewJeans members—Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein—with ADOR last year. While Haerin and Hyein officially returned to the label in November 2025, Hanni rejoined in late December. Minji has yet to confirm her return to NewJeans.
Court Approves Asset Freeze
Court Approves Multi-Billion KRW Asset Freeze
On February 2, the Seoul Central District Court approved ADOR's request for the provisional seizure of real estate assets. This legal action effectively 'locks' the properties, preventing their owners from selling or using them as collateral until a final decision is made. The court's freeze encompasses assets valued at 7 billion KRW, including Min Hee-Jin's assets worth 5 billion KRW (around $3.39 million) and 2 billion KRW (approximately $1.36 million) in assets belonging to Danielle's mother. Notably, although Danielle was named in the initial damages lawsuit filed on December 29, 2025, she was not included in this specific asset seizure request.
Targeted Properties
Properties Targeted by ADOR
The asset seizures focus on high-value real estate in Seoul and the adjacent Gyeonggi Province. The freeze affects Min's apartment in Yongsan-gu and a villa in Mapo-gu, both of which have been involved in previous legal disputes, including claims related to styling service fees and a workplace harassment lawsuit from a former employee. Danielle's mother's restricted assets include a villa in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and an office space in Anyang. By securing these assets, ADOR aims to ensure recovery of potential damages if it prevails in the main lawsuit, which revolves around allegations of contract violations and disruptions to group operations.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
More About Legal Case and Aftermath
Despite the success in freezing these assets, the timeline for the trial remains unclear. Recently, ADOR's entire legal team resigned, raising concerns that the agency might be seeking to delay upcoming hearings set for May and July. A new legal team would need considerable time to familiarize themselves with the intricate case files. This perceived delay has faced strong opposition from the defense teams representing Min Hee-Jin and Danielle, who are urging the court to adhere to the current schedule for a prompt resolution.