When NewJeans debuted in 2022 under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, they quickly emerged as one of K-pop’s most exciting breakout acts—blending genre-bending music with viral fashion and choreography. But by late 2024, what began as meteoric success had devolved into a prolonged legal battle between the group and the label that launched them.

The rift begins

In November 2024, all five members—Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein, and Danielle—issued a joint statement announcing they were ending their exclusive contracts with ADOR, alleging the company had failed to meet its obligations and that trust had broken down. The move sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry as both sides traded claims over management rights and contractual control.

ADOR responded swiftly by filing a lawsuit seeking confirmation that the original contracts remained legally binding, arguing that NewJeans could not unilaterally sever ties with the agency.

Court battles and branding changes

As the legal fight unfolded, the members attempted to pursue activities outside ADOR, including plans to use the name “NJZ.” However, a Seoul court granted ADOR’s injunction, preventing the group from performing or signing with other companies without the label’s consent.

On October 30, 2025, the court handed ADOR a decisive victory, ruling that NewJeans’ exclusive contracts were valid and would remain in force until the end of their original term. The decision effectively halted the group’s attempt to freely depart and pushed both sides back into negotiations.

Slow return and lingering tensions

Following the ruling, discussions resumed between ADOR and the members. In November 2025, Haerin and Hyein confirmed their return to activities under the label. Hanni later flew back to South Korea with her family and agreed to comply with the court’s decision, formally resuming ties with ADOR after extended talks. Minji, however, remained in negotiations regarding her future.

Despite these developments, tensions persisted, particularly over the extent to which the dispute had damaged trust between the artists and their management.

Danielle’s exit and lawsuit

The most dramatic turn came on 29 December 2025, when ADOR announced it had terminated Danielle’s exclusive contract, effectively removing her from NewJeans. The agency said it had determined that it was no longer feasible for Danielle to continue working with the company as a group member and artist.

In the same announcement, ADOR revealed plans to pursue legal action not only against Danielle but also against a member of her family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who played a central role in the dispute’s early stages. The label said these figures “bear significant responsibility” for the conflict and for delays in the group’s return to activities.

ADOR also claimed the members had been exposed to “distorted and biased information” about the company, contributing to misunderstandings and the escalation of the conflict.

What it means for NewJeans and fans

Danielle’s departure represents one of the most consequential moments in the saga, transforming what many fans expected to be a five-member comeback into an uncertain path forward.

Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni are now confirmed to be returning under ADOR, while Minji’s future remains unresolved. Danielle, for now, is no longer part of the group’s official lineup, and the looming lawsuit could shape her career for years.

For fans, the story has been emotionally charged—blending legal rights, artistic autonomy, and deeply personal relationships between artists, families, and mentors. As negotiations and court proceedings continue, one reality is clear: NewJeans’ legacy will be defined not only by their music, but also by this extraordinary and turbulent chapter in K-pop history.