ADOR terminates exclusive contract with NewJeans' Danielle
Record label ADOR has terminated its exclusive contract with NewJeans member Danielle June Marsh.
The agency shared updates regarding the K-pop girl group's status on Dec. 29, saying that it dropped Danielle as a member of NewJeans.
"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," ADOR's statement, as translated by K-entertainment outlet Soompi, read.
Moreover, the company aims to take legal action against a member of Danielle's family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin for "precipitating" the dispute between the label and the group.
"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," it said.
"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."
Meanwhile, the agency also had talks regarding the contracts of other members, Hanni and Minji.
Hanni will continue with ADOR, while discussions with Minji are still ongoing.
The dispute between NewJeans and ADOR began in November 2024, when the girl group left the label. Hanni alleged that the members and their staff faced mistreatment.
However, ADOR insisted that their contract remains in full effect and filed an injunction to maintain its status as the managing agency of the girl group.
In March, a South Korean court ruled against NewJeans, while earlier in December, the court decided that the five members' exclusive contracts with ADOR are valid until 2029.
Amid the legal battle, the group changed its name to NJZ and went on hiatus.
NewJeans, composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, made their debut in 2022 and became known for hits Super Shy, Hype Boy, OMG, Ditto, and more.
