SEOUL: Danielle (pic) of girl group NewJeans has been removed from both the group and her agency Ador, marking a major turning point in the monthslong contract dispute that has divided the team.
In a statement released Monday (Dec 29), Ador said it has officially terminated Danielle’s exclusive contract, citing irreparable damage to trust and ongoing conflict stemming from the group’s legal dispute with the agency.
“We have determined that it is no longer possible for Danielle to remain a member of NewJeans or an artist under Ador,” the company said through its official statement released to the press. “We notified (Danielle) today of the termination of her exclusive contract.”
The company added that it would pursue legal action against Danielle’s family member and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who it claims was responsible for causing the dispute and for Danielle’s eventual exit.
The dispute started in 2024: After Hybe asked her to step down in April 2024, Min ultimately resigned from her position as CEO in November that year. Following Min’s departure, NewJeans members contested the validity of their contracts, claiming that Ador had breached the terms and that their exclusive contracts had effectively ended in November 2024.
Matters were taken to court a month later when Ador filed a contract validity lawsuit against NewJeans and an injunction to prevent the members from engaging in independent activities. On Oct. 30, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favour of Ador, dismissing the group’s attempt to terminate contracts early and ruling that NewJeans must stay with Ador until 2029.
Additionally, Ador clarified Monday that after further talks, Hanni will be returning to Ador as a NewJeans member. The agency added that talks with Minji are ongoing, but proceeding positively “to expand the mutual understanding between the two parties.”
It was confirmed on Nov. 12 that the other two NewJeans members, Haerin and Hyein, would continue activities in the group under Ador.
The company added that it would later explain details regarding the conflict at a separate event. The exact date and method have yet to be announced. - The Korea Herald/ANN
