[Sports Chosun Lee Woo-joo Reporter] While speculations abound about why Ador only notified Daniel of the contract termination, the previous support Daniel expressed for former representative Min Hee-jin is gaining attention.
On the 29th, Ador stated in an official statement regarding the actions of Daniel, Minji, and Hani. Ador stated, “Hani visited Korea with her family and had in-depth discussions with Ador. After sincere conversations, Hani decided to remain with Ador, respecting the court’s ruling.” Minji is still ongoing discussions with Ador.
However, “In Daniel’s case, as it was deemed difficult for him to continue as a New Jeans member and Ador artist, the company notified him of the termination of his exclusive contract today. Additionally, Ador plans to hold one of Daniel’s family members and former representative Min Hee-jin legally responsible for causing this dispute and significantly contributing to the delay of New Jeans’ return.” Ador is set to file for penalties and damages today.
With Daniel’s departure dissolving the complete lineup of New Jeans, numerous speculations are arising about why only Daniel was expelled from the group. In this process, past instances of Daniel showing strong willingness to stand alongside former representative Min Hee-jin are being revisited.
Last August, when conflicts arose between Ador and New Jeans, former representative Min Hee-jin publicly shared a handwritten letter she received from Daniel. Daniel expressed affection for Min Hee-jin, stating, “Even in these short yet long two years, it feels like all the events of seven years have occurred. Our representative who has protected and cared for us with all their might seems like a wonderful warrior and mother to us.” He added, “We are always on your side and want to stay with you no matter the path.”
During the March court hearing for an injunction filed by Ador against New Jeans members regarding agency status preservation and advertising contract prohibitions, Daniel shed tears, expressing his determination to remain with Min Hee-jin.
Daniel stated, “We stand as a group of five on stage, but we are a six-member team including our representative. I was afraid of losing her amidst outrageous articles and attacks. I want to continue with her.” Even after other members concluded their remarks, Daniel raised his hand to speak more, indicating uncertainty about who would protect them if they returned to Ador and expressing his firm decision against staying with Ador while in tears.
Meanwhile, as interest grows regarding the scale of penalties and damages Ador might claim, legal experts predict the penalty might exceed 100 billion won.
An Hee-cheol, the managing lawyer at DeLJ Law Firm, estimated via the YouTube channel ‘Understanding: All the Knowledge in the World’ in November, that if Ador were to sue New Jeans for contract violations, the penalty could be as high as 108 billion won, calculated by multiplying Ador’s annual revenue of 111.8 billion won by the average monthly revenue from the previous two years and Daniel’s remaining contract period of 4 years and 6 months. However, excessive penalties can be reduced by the court.