Danielle Marsh’s departure from K-pop group NewJeans surprised South Korean music fans on Monday (12/29). ADOR, the company responsible for the group formed in 2022, announced the termination of the exclusivity contract with the artist after months of disputes involving the agency, the members and their legal representatives.
In an official statement, ADOR said it was “difficult to continue together” in Danielle’s specific case and indicated that the singer had been formally informed of the termination of the contract. According to the company, the decision was taken after attempts at conciliation, including meetings with the artist and his family, without correcting behavior deemed incompatible with the exclusivity contract.
3 pictures
Close the modal.
1 of 3
NewJeans
Reproduction/Instagram NewJeans 2 of 3
NewJeans
Reproduction/Instagram NewJeans 3 of 3
NewJeans
ADOR/Disclosure
The conflict between members of NewJeans and HYBE, the conglomerate to which ADOR is linked, began in 2024 and centered on the departure of Min Hee-jin as CEO of the agency. The dismissal became the main complaint of the group, which considered Min a fundamental part of NewJeans’ artistic identity. She was replaced by Kim Joo-young, human resources specialist.
Read also
-
Gastronomy
K-pop fan? Make Crispy and Sweet and Sour Korean Fried Chicken at Home
-
Music
Stray Kids announced at Rock in Rio, will mark K-pop debut
-
Celebrities
K-pop star injured after stopping thief who broke into her home
-
Movie theater
K-Pop Warriors: find out when the 2nd animated film will be released
In July 2024, Danielle even published a public letter in which she called Min Hee-jin a “mother” and a “warrior.” The gesture highlighted the emotional connection between the two.
The crisis intensified in September, when NewJeans staged a surprise livestream on YouTube. During the broadcast, the members issued an ultimatum demanding that Min Hee-jin be reinstated as CEO by the 25th of this month. They also reported episodes of workplace harassment and leaks of private information. The deadline passed with no response and the ADOR board officially rejected the request.
In November, the dispute took legal form. Members sent a Content Certification, a legal instrument that requires contractual corrections within 14 days, under penalty of termination. During the same period, the South Korean government concluded that idols are not considered formal employees, excluding them from labor law protection.
In response, in early 2025, the group applied to register the NJZ trademark, with the aim of pursuing a career without using the NewJeans name and starting independent activities. In March, however, the South Korean court granted an injunction favorable to ADOR, prohibiting this type of action. Despite the ruling, the group performed at ComplexCon Hong Kong, which could constitute a legal violation.
In October, the court issued the final decision and upheld the validity of the contracts until 2029, in addition to authorizing a fine of 1 billion won per violation. After further rounds of negotiations, ADOR concluded that it would not be possible to continue the relationship with Danielle and also announced its intention to sue a family member of the former member and former CEO Min Hee-jin.
“In Danielle’s case, we determined that it would be difficult for us to continue together as a member of NewJeans and an ADOR artist, and today we are informing her of the termination of her exclusive contract. Additionally, we plan to hold Danielle’s family member and former CEO Min Hee Jin legally responsible, who bears great responsibility for initiating this dispute as well as NewJeans’ departure and delay in returning,” the statement read.
The note also informs that Minji is continuing negotiations to “expand mutual understanding.” ADOR further stated that after extensive conversations, Hanni decided to remain under contract with the company. Haerin and Hyein’s stays were announced in November.
Formed in 2022 by Danielle, Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein, NewJeans has over 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify and has scored hits such as Super Shy, OMG, Hype Boy and Supernatural.
About The Author
