NewJeans’ Danielle exits K-pop group as ADOR terminates her contract

ADOR has terminated its exclusive contract with Danielle of NewJeans.

On Monday, ADOR released an official statement announcing the termination of Danielle’s contract, as reported by Soompi on Monday. 

“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,” the label said.

Moreover, ADOR said that it aims to pursue legal measures against a member of Danielle's family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. 

Per the agency, the two individuals "bear significant responsibility for precipitating this dispute and for NewJeans' departure and delayed return."

Meanwhile, NewJeans members Hyein and Haerin remain associated with ADOR and have resumed activities with the agency. According to the statement, Hanni has also decided to continue activities with ADOR, while Minji is in discussions with the agency "to broaden mutual understanding." 

NewJeans drew worldwide attention in 2024 after becoming embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with ADOR and its parent company, HYBE, over their seven-year exclusive contract.

In October, the Seoul court ruled in favor of ADOR, upholding the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract with the agency

NewJeans initially said they would file an appeal to overturn the decision, saying that it was impossible to accept and return to the company.

NewJeans debuted as a five-member girl group under ADOR labels in November 2022 with the surprise release of their debut single "Attention." 

—Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA Integrated News