Ador Ends Exclusive Contract with NewJeans’ Danielle
On Monday, Ador, the agency representing the popular girl group NewJeans, made a significant announcement regarding member Danielle, officially terminating her exclusive contract. This decision represents a critical juncture in the ongoing tensions between NewJeans and its management.
Reasons for Termination
In their statement, Ador disclosed that it deemed Danielle’s continued role in NewJeans and as an Ador artist unfeasible, necessitating the termination of her contract. The agency indicated plans to initiate legal proceedings against Danielle for alleged breach of contract and is seeking damages. Furthermore, Ador announced intentions to hold Min Hee-jin, Danielle’s family member and former CEO of Ador, legally responsible for their involvement in the matter.
“In Danielle’s case, we determined it would be difficult for her to continue as a NewJeans member and Ador artiste, ”Ador said in its statement.
Contractual Conflicts and Reputation Issues
Ador outlined multiple factors leading to this drastic step, including Danielle signing conflicting contracts, her involvement in independent entertainment ventures, and behavior that could potentially damage the reputation of both Ador and NewJeans. The agency reported that they had previously asked Danielle to rectify these issues before a specified deadline, which she failed to meet.
Impact on NewJeans’ Future
The contract termination has dashed hopes for a complete five-member revival of NewJeans. Just weeks prior, all five members expressed their intention to return to Ador following a favorable court ruling on October 30, which affirmed the validity of their exclusive contracts. This ruling had seemingly settled a legal battle that began in November 2024 when NewJeans attempted to dissolve their contracts.
Diverging Paths and Remaining Members
Since the court’s decision, the individual futures of NewJeans members have taken distinct turns. Haerin and Hyein were the first to confirm their commitment to returning to Ador in November. Hanni has also stated her intention to remain with the agency following discussions with both Ador and her family. Meanwhile, Minji is still in negotiations, with both parties working towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
The Four-Member Future
With the exit of Danielle, NewJeans is expected to proceed as a four-member group. However, there is currently no clear timeline for their return, as Ador has indicated that future plans will only be established after comprehensive discussions with the remaining members.
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