NewJeans’ Danielle files complaint against HYBE, ADOR over ‘unfair treatment’ as S. Korea watchdog opens probe

SEOUL, June 26 — NewJeans member Danielle Marsh has lodged a complaint with South Korea’s competition watchdog against HYBE and its subsidiary ADOR, alleging unfair trade practices in the latest development in the group’s ongoing legal dispute with its management.

According to South Korean outlet Saostar, Danielle’s lawyer, Jung Jong-chae, said the complaint was submitted to the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), which has since begun examining the allegations against HYBE and ADOR.

The complaint alleges that Danielle was treated differently from the other members of NewJeans despite being involved in the same contractual dispute. 

It claims ADOR specifically sought to terminate her contract and demanded compensation and penalties worth hundreds of billions of won.

Her legal team argued that the financial demands went beyond recovering losses and instead served to discourage artists from challenging their agencies.

The filing also raises broader concerns over HYBE’s position in South Korea’s entertainment industry, arguing that excessive financial penalties could make artists reluctant to leave agencies while making it harder for smaller companies to recruit talent.

Another issue highlighted in the complaint concerns standard entertainment contracts. Danielle’s lawyer argued that penalty clauses are often calculated based on company revenue rather than actual losses, potentially resulting in compensation claims that exceed any financial damage suffered.

The complaint calls for scrutiny of whether such industry practices strike a fair balance between protecting agencies and safeguarding artists’ rights.

Despite the legal action, Danielle’s legal team said her objective is not a prolonged dispute with the company.

According to Jung, Danielle hopes to return to performing as a member of NewJeans alongside Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein.

The outcome of the KFTC’s investigation is being closely watched, as it could influence future discussions on artist contracts, agency authority and competition within South Korea’s entertainment industry.