Seoul, en.SERU.co.id — The Korea Fair Trade Commission/KFTC has officially launched an investigation into HYBE and its subsidiary, ADOR, following a formal complaint filed on behalf of Danielle Marsh, a former member of the girl group NewJeans.
Attorney Jung Jong Chae of Jeongbak Law Firm announced the filing on August 6, 2026. The KFTC has already started looking into claims of market dominance abuse and unfair trade practices.
The long-running dispute between NewJeans and ADOR/HYBE started back in late 2024. After a court ruling in late 2025, four members (Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein) moved toward resuming activities with ADOR. Danielle, however, had her contract terminated unilaterally by the label in December 2025.
ADOR then sued Danielle, a family member, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, initially seeking around 43 billion won in damages and penalties. That amount was later reduced to about 33.1 billion won (roughly $24 million). The civil lawsuit is still ongoing.
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Key Points in the Complaint
Danielle’s lawyers argue she was singled out for harsher treatment even though all five members were part of the same contract dispute. They claim HYBE and ADOR used their powerful position in the industry to punish her as a warning to other artists.
In the statement submitted to the KFTC, the team said:
“If HYBE truly wanted compensation for damages, they wouldn’t pursue years of lawsuits with massive contractual penalties that could leave Danielle penniless… and unable to work in K-pop again due to ADOR’s actions.”
The complaint also questions the fairness of standard penalty clauses in entertainment contracts, which are often based on projected revenue rather than actual losses.
When asked what Danielle really wants, her lawyer shared:
“Danielle simply wants to stand once again as a complete NewJeans together with Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein… Even if that dream is realistically impossible, it remains the dream Danielle holds.”
Where things stand now: HYBE and ADOR have not publicly commented on the KFTC investigation so far. Meanwhile, the damages lawsuit against Danielle continues in Seoul court, with more hearings scheduled.
*(Sources: Koreaboo, Jeongbak Law Firm/Jung Jong Chae’s official statement, Zapzee, Yonhap and Billboard)
