ADOR, the agency representing the K-pop group NewJeans, has officially terminated its exclusive contract with member Danielle and is pursuing a lawsuit for penalties and damages that could reach an estimated 108 billion Korean won (approximately 80 million USD). The agency has also announced plans to take legal action against a member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee Jin, whom they hold responsible for causing the dispute and delaying the group’s activities.
The decision, announced on December 29, 2025, marks a definitive and contentious split after a year-long legal and public battle between the agency and its artists. It shatters plans for a five-member reunion, leaving the future of one of K-pop’s most successful acts in question.
ADOR’s Official Statement and Accusations
In its official statement, ADOR declared it had determined it was “difficult to continue working with Danielle as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist” and therefore issued a formal notice of contract termination. The agency provided specific reasons for the termination, alleging Danielle violated her exclusive contract.
An ADOR representative stated the violations included “entering into contracts conflicting with her exclusive agreement or engaging in independent entertainment activities”. The agency also cited actions that damaged “the reputation or credibility of ADOR and NewJeans”. ADOR claims it requested corrective action from Danielle, but no remedial steps were taken within the provided timeframe, leading to the termination.
“We plan to hold legally accountable one member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee Jin, who bear significant responsibility for causing this dispute, Danielle’s departure from NewJeans, and the delay in her return,” ADOR stated.
ADOR has confirmed it will file two separate lawsuits: one seeking penalty fees and damages from Danielle herself, and another seeking damages from the implicated family member and Min Hee Jin. While the exact sum has not been disclosed, the agency stated the penalty will be calculated “according to the formula stipulated in the exclusive contract”.
Breakdown of the Staggering 108 Billion Won Penalty Estimate
The reported 108 billion won figure originates from a legal analysis by attorney Ahn Hee Chul of DLG Law Corporation. This estimate is based on standard penalty calculations in K-pop contracts, which often multiply the agency’s average monthly revenue by the remaining months on the contract.
- Remaining Contract Period: NewJeans’ exclusive contract with ADOR is valid until July 31, 2029, leaving roughly four and a half years (approximately 54 months).
- Agency Revenue: ADOR’s revenue for 2024 was reported to be over 111.18 billion won. Based on the average monthly revenue from the past two years, the penalty per member was calculated.
- Legal Context: It is crucial to understand that under Korean law, this contractual “penalty” is a separate claim from “damages” for losses. While ADOR is pursuing both, the 108 billion won figure refers specifically to the penalty clause. Legal experts note that courts have the authority to reduce such penalties if they are deemed excessively unfair.
Status of the Other NewJeans Members
The contract termination leaves NewJeans’ lineup fractured. ADOR’s announcement also provided updates on the other four members, revealing a split in their paths forward.
- Haerin and Hyein: These two members were the first to officially return to ADOR in mid-November after the agency won its initial lawsuit.
- Hanni: On December 29, ADOR confirmed that Hanni has also decided to return after “deep, lengthy conversations” with the agency and her family, agreeing to “respect the court’s ruling”.
- Minji: Discussions between Minji and ADOR are reportedly still ongoing. The agency stated they are “continuously engaged in discussions to broaden mutual understanding”.
This situation concludes a tumultuous period that began in November 2024 when all five NewJeans members publicly declared their intent to terminate their contracts with ADOR, citing a complete breakdown of trust. ADOR sued to confirm the contracts’ validity and won the first trial in October 2025. Following that loss, the members expressed their intention to return as a full group, but negotiations have ultimately resulted in Danielle’s sole departure.
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Fan Reaction and Unanswered Questions
The news has sparked intense reaction and speculation within the Korean online community and among international fans. Many have expressed shock at the severity of the action against one member and the direct involvement of her family.
“Most members seem to be accepted back, but one alone gets contract termination — something must be there,” commented one netizen, reflecting widespread curiosity about the specific allegations.
Others have raised concerns about the group’s future viability: “At this point, even if they bring the remaining members back, do you really think they’ll be able to promote properly?”. Reports suggest the family member central to ADOR’s legal threat is Danielle’s mother, who is alleged to have been a key collaborator with former CEO Min Hee Jin.
With a major lawsuit pending and the group reduced from five to four members, the planned comeback for NewJeans faces unprecedented uncertainty. The legal proceedings will determine not only Danielle’s financial liability but also set a significant precedent for contract disputes within the K-pop industry.
