Soul, El Sky News — ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE and agency behind the global K‑pop sensation NewJeans, officially announced its latest decisions regarding three members: Danielle, Hanni, and Minji. These decisions significantly impact the group’s future activities.
Contract Termination with Danielle
On Monday (Dec 29, 2025), ADOR declared that it has officially terminated the exclusive contract with Danielle Marsh. The agency stated that the working relationship between Danielle and ADOR, as well as her role in NewJeans, is no longer sustainable.
ADOR also mentioned that it plans to take legal action against Danielle’s family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee‑jin, citing their alleged involvement in conflicts that delayed the group’s activities.
Hanni Chooses to Stay with ADOR
Unlike Danielle, Hanni has decided to remain with ADOR. Following in‑depth discussions with her family and the agency, Hanni opted to honor the court’s ruling confirming the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts until 2029.
Minji’s Contract Still Under Review
For Minji, discussions are ongoing. While talks between ADOR and Minji have been described as positive and constructive, no final decision has been made regarding whether she will continue under ADOR or take another path.
Impact on NewJeans’ Activities
These developments raise questions about NewJeans’ ability to stage a full five-member comeback. With Danielle leaving and Minji’s status undecided, the group’s lineup is no longer complete, leaving fans and industry observers uncertain about the group’s future plans.
Background of the Contract Dispute
The dispute began in 2024 when NewJeans members challenged the validity of their exclusive contracts with ADOR. A Seoul court ruled on Oct 30, 2025, that the contracts are legally binding until 2029. Since then, negotiations between the agency, members, and their families have produced differing outcomes for each member.
(Lunar)
