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Danielle of K-pop girl group NewJeans is leaving ADOR after the agency confirmed the termination of her exclusive contract, bringing a dramatic development to the ongoing legal battle between the group and their agency.

In a statement released on Monday, December 29, to the press, ADOR explained that the decision followed a prolonged breakdown in trust and unresolved disagreements linked to the months-long contract dispute that has strained relations between the members and the company.

ADOR further stated that it plans to take legal action against a member of Danielle's family as well as former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, whom the company holds responsible for triggering the conflict that ultimately led to Danielle's departure.

Soompi has translated and released ADOR's full statement below:

"Following the court's final ruling in the lawsuit confirming the validity of the exclusive contracts, ADOR has held extensive discussions with Minji, Hanni, Danielle, and the families of the three members.

"Hanni visited Korea with her family and engaged in long, in-depth conversations with ADOR. In the process, we revisited past events and took time to view matters objectively. After candid talks, Hanni decided to respect the court's ruling and continue with ADOR.

"Minji is also in talks with ADOR, and discussions are ongoing to broaden mutual understanding.

"In Danielle's case, we determined that it would be difficult to continue together as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist, and today we notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract. In addition, we plan to pursue legal accountability for one member of Danielle's family and former CEO Min Hee Jin, who bear significant responsibility for precipitating this dispute and for NewJeans' departure and delayed return.

"Through these conversations, ADOR learned that, over a long period, the members had been continuously exposed to distorted and biased information, which led to many misunderstandings about the company and ultimately to this dispute. The company and the artists agree that, to regain the love of fans and the public, it is necessary—even if it takes some time—to fully dispel these misunderstandings based on accurate facts. We have also agreed to find an opportunity to address the various controversies that arose during the dispute and are discussing the timing and manner.

"ADOR will do its utmost to bring this matter to an amicable conclusion and to ensure that NewJeans can return to fans as soon as possible."

NewJeans debuted in 2022 under HYBE sub-label ADOR, with members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

BREAKING: #NewJeans' #Hanni Confirmed And #Minji In Talks To Return To ADOR + #Danielle's Contract Terminatedhttps://t.co/pelliy8XR4 pic.twitter.com/c4k68eXDPh

— Soompi (@soompi) December 29, 2025