K-pop group NewJeans has lost member Danielle Marsh after their label ADOR terminated her contract and confirmed legal action tied to its ongoing dispute with the group.
HYBE, ADOR’s parent company, confirmed that it is seeking roughly $30 million in damages in a lawsuit involving Danielle, a member of her family, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The case marks the latest escalation in a year-long feud that has thrown the future of one of K-pop’s biggest acts into uncertainty.
NewJeans debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of the most successful groups in the industry, earning praise for their 1990s R&B-inspired sound and becoming one of the world’s top-selling acts within a year. The group consists of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, all aged between 17 and 21.
How NewJeans’ contract dispute with ADOR escalated
The dispute traces back to 2024, when Min Hee-jin, who founded ADOR and was closely associated with NewJeans’ creative direction, was dismissed as CEO.
The group later accused the label of mistreatment and manipulation before announcing their intent to leave the agency. ADOR responded by filing a lawsuit to block their departure, which a South Korean court upheld in October, ruling that the members must honor their contracts through 2029.
Despite reports last month suggesting all five members would return to ADOR, the situation shifted again this week. In a statement issued Monday, ADOR said it had decided to terminate Danielle’s contract, claiming it was no longer possible to continue working with her.
The company added that a family member of Danielle and Min Hee-jin “bear significant responsibility” for the breakdown in relations and confirmed legal action seeking damages.
ADOR also said the remaining members had been exposed to “distorted and biased information,” leading to misunderstandings about the label.
According to the company, Hanni has agreed to remain with ADOR following extended discussions involving her family, while talks with Minji are ongoing. Hyein and Haerin had previously been named as returning members.
The news has sparked backlash from fans online, with many criticizing Danielle’s removal and questioning whether NewJeans can continue without all five members. Messages calling for the group to remain intact have spread across social media, reflecting wider concern over the future of the group.
Music critics have also raised doubts about the viability of NewJeans as a reduced lineup, noting that K-pop groups are heavily defined by member chemistry and long-term fan investment. Danielle’s next steps remain unclear, with her future in music now uncertain amid the legal battle.
