Why Did ADOR Remove Danielle From NewJeans? Status Of Hanni, Minji, Haerin, Hyein; Role Of Min Hee-Jin - Full Controversy EXPLAINED

NewJeans might not be making a full group comeback anytime soon. Infact, its legal feud with ADOR seems to be far from over after Danielle exited the girl band. On December 29, reports came in that ADOR has terminated the exclusive contract with Danielle, thus removing her from the five-member NewJeans (NJZ). Even Hanni and Minji faced some brunt, though Danielle remains the most affected, and is now facing a lawsuit and penalty. The latest turn of events is a follow-up of the K-pop group and its label's long standing court battle leading to a mud-slinging spat that began in August 2024 with the former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin getting outsed.What is the entire controversy around NewJeans and ADOR, and why is Danielle, in specific, facing huge damages?

Here's a rundown of the entire controversy and developments leading to her exit.

Trouble begins with Min Hee-Jin Vs ADOR

HYBE, home to K-pop groups like BTS, TXT and CORTIS, launched an audit of its subsidy ADOR where it accused its CEO Min Hee-Jin of trying to acquire full control of ADOR. HYBE even alleged that Min was attempting at moving NewJeans out of ADOR, and making the band formed under her periphery, independent. Min rejected all claims and accused HYBE of allowing their new group ILLIT under its other subsidiary, BELIFT LAB, of plagiarising NewJeans and stealing its concepts and choreography. Min held a tearful press conference stating that she wants to protect NewJeans. She denied the takeover and accused HYBE of betraying her. While HYBE filed a case against Min, all five members of NewJeans filed a legal plea in support of her, demanding HYBE to let her serve as ADOR CEO. This was the first time NewJeans publically chose sides.

Danielle calls Min Hee-Jin "mom" in a letter

Amid ADOR vs Min Hee-Jin, Danielle wrote an emotional handwritten letter where she used words like "mom" and "warrior" for Min. "My beloved CEO... there is no one like you in this world. You are our protector and our family," Danielle's wrote, claiming her bond and loyalty towards her.

NewJeans alleges workplace harassment

AfterMin Hee-Jin was replaced by Kim Joo-Young as ADOR CEO, NewJeans came out publically against the dismisal. Minji made her first public statement through Phoning, asserting that the case has not been resolved. NewJeans held a YouTube livestream addressing HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk and demanding Min's reinstatement. It claimed distrust in HYBE alleging "workplace harassment, leaking private information" and many other things.

NewJeans ends exclusive contract with ADOR

On November 28, 2024, NewJeans held an emergency press conference where it terminated ADOR's contact. The band said they'd however wish to keep the same band name, and continue professional activities independently. In its reply, ADOR filed two lawsuits, stating the contracts were still valid and the members cannot leave legally. It announced of blocking the members from engaging in independent activities until the case gets solved.

NewJeans becomes NJZ

In January 2025, NewJeans rebranded itself a 'NJZ' and applied for trademark rights. Fans were sure the band was on its way to restart and took up a new name to avoid copyright issues with ADOR. The Seoul Central District Court sided with ADOR's injunction request, thus blocking NewJeans from holding independent activities under NJZ, signing contracts with third-parties and engaging in entertainment activities that violate ADOR's exclusive contract.

Court upholds ADOR's contact with NewJeans

In a landmark ruling, the Seoul Central District Court decided in favour of ADOR, keeping the contract validity. "It is difficult to see that ADOR violated the exclusive contract simply by dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin. Min Hee-jin waged a public opinion war not for the purpose of protecting New Jeans, but for the purpose of New Jeans’ independence," the court ruled. It ordered NewJeans, a penalty of 1 billion won (approximately $699,000) each to be paid to ADOR if they engaged in entertainment activities without company's approval. The ruling was to be followed until the contract expired in 2029.

NewJeans begins comeback

ADOR confirmed that Haerin and Hyein were returing to the label and as members of NewJeans. Minji, Danielle, and Hanni also expressed intenstion to return. But many pointed at the vagueness of the trio's statement that did not make it clear whether they plan to return to ADOR or work independently.

Cracks within NewJeans

According to ADOR, "extensive discussions" were underway with Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, and their families towards resolving misunderstandings objectively. ADOR confirmed Hanni's return, and said discussions were on with Minji.

Danielle removed from NewJeans

On December 29, 2025, ADOR confirmed that the company has terminated Danielle's exclusive contract. It said in its statement, "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."According to SPOTV News, ADOR even filed a lawsuit against Danielle seeking "penalty fees and damages" claiming breach of contract. Industry experts claim financial implications for Danielle could include a penalty of up to 100 billion KRW (approximately $69.2 million USD or Rs 625 crore). It called out a family member of Danielle and Min Hee-Jin for "causing this dispute and for NewJeans' departure and delayed return."

Was Danielle specifically targetted?

Several reports claim Danielle's unwavering support towards Min Hee-Jin was a prime reason for her getting removed. Infact, unlike Hyein's father who supported returning to ADOR, Danielle's family continues to oppose the agency. The company alleged that Danielle entered into conflicting contracts with other parties, took up independent entertainment work without ADOR's notice which resulted in a breach of her exclusive contract.