A trial for the damage suit filed by Ador, a subsidiary of K-pop giant HYBE Labels, against former NewJeans member Danielle and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin opened on Thursday, showing no end in sight for the dispute that began in 2024. In December last year, Ador filed the damage suit against the idol, her mother and the label's former CEO, claiming 43.1 billion won ($28.6 mil.) in compensation for causing delay to the resumption of NewJeans' activities. At the preliminary hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday, legal representatives of the label and the idol clashed over the pace of the proceedings. "Danielle is an idol, and this is the most brilliant period of her career," her legal representatives said accusing Ador of dragging out the case, also pointing to the inclusion of Danielle's mother in the suit. "If this lawsuit is drawn out, she (Danielle) will inevitably suffer harm. Ador, as an entertainment agency, knows this well." Ador's legal team rejected the characterization, arguing that the lawsuit concerned damages and penalties only and had no bearing on Da