ADOR has officially ended its contract with Danielle, a member of the K-pop group NewJeans. This decision was announced on December 29, 2025, and it has deeply upset fans around the world. With Danielle leaving the group, the future of NewJeans now feels uncertain.
While Hanni has returned to the agency and Minji is still talking with ADOR about her return, Danielle’s exit marks a painful break in what fans once saw as a close-knit group that felt like family.
Why ADOR Terminated Danielle’s Contract
In an official statement, ADOR said that trust between the company and Danielle had completely broken down. Because of this, they felt it was no longer possible for her to continue as a member of NewJeans or stay under the agency.
ADOR blamed the situation on false or misleading information that was shared with the members by former CEO Min Hee-jin and others. According to the company, this misinformation made the conflict worse over time.
ADOR also revealed plans to take legal action against Min Hee-jin and one of Danielle’s family members. They claim there was outside interference and serious breaches of trust. This decision came after a court ruled in ADOR’s favor, confirming that the original contracts with the members were still valid, despite earlier attempts by NewJeans to cancel them.
The agency said it tried many times to fix the situation but failed. Although they expressed regret, they stated that ending the contract was the only option left. As the news spread online, many fans described it as “the end of an era” for NewJeans.
Status of the Other NewJeans Members
Not everything is negative for the group. Hanni has officially returned to ADOR after long and emotional discussions with her family. Her return shows that she wants to move forward and rebuild trust.
Minji is still in talks with the agency, and both sides are trying to reach an agreement. Earlier, Haerin and Hyein chose to remain with ADOR, deciding that stability was the best choice during such a chaotic time.
Because of this, NewJeans may continue as a four-member group. However, ADOR has not yet confirmed any new music or activities. A full group comeback had been promised before, but Danielle’s departure has put those plans on hold. ADOR said it remains committed to supporting the remaining members and their fans.
How the Conflict Started
The dispute began in November 2024 when the NewJeans members publicly asked to end their contracts with ADOR. They claimed workplace harassment, unfair treatment, and protested the removal of Min Hee-jin as CEO.
Min Hee-jin, who originally formed NewJeans, later accused HYBE, ADOR’s parent company, of copying her ideas for another girl group. After this fallout, the members rebranded themselves as “NJZ” and started solo activities, including music releases and public appearances, even though ADOR opposed it.
Courts repeatedly ruled in ADOR’s favor, ordering the members to stop NJZ activities and follow their original seven-year contracts. The situation quickly escalated into lawsuits, media fights, and emotional public statements.
Danielle became a major focus during this time. Fans noticed her doing volunteer work and even running publicly, which raised concerns about her emotional well-being. ADOR has now stated that her position within the group cannot be repaired, though they still hope to save NewJeans as a group for their loyal fans, known as Bunnies.
Fans React With Anger and Heartbreak
Fans reacted strongly across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. Many accused ADOR and HYBE of “tearing apart a family” and expressed deep sadness over Danielle’s removal.
Messages supporting Danielle flooded the internet, with fans saying she deserved better treatment. Some worried that NewJeans would lose its special charm without her, while others praised Hanni for returning and encouraged Minji to do the same for unity.
Recent updates about Danielle’s volunteer work now feel emotional and bittersweet for fans, showing her kindness during such a difficult time. ADOR has promised to hold a full briefing to explain everything, but trust between the company and fans remains badly damaged.
This situation highlights the harsh reality of the K-pop industry, where young artists often face intense legal and corporate battles behind the scenes.
What Happens Next for NewJeans?
With Danielle officially out, attention now turns to whether NewJeans can continue successfully as four members. ADOR says its focus is on healing relationships with Hanni, Haerin, Hyein, and possibly Minji, while also promising better protection for artists in the future.
Legal disputes are still ongoing, especially involving Min Hee-jin, who continues to influence public opinion among fans. As for Danielle, many believe she has a strong future ahead, either as a solo artist or under a new agency, thanks to her popularity from hit songs like Attention and Ditto.
Fans are still hoping for reconciliation, but the K-pop world moves quickly. Whether NewJeans returns stronger or becomes a story of lost potential remains to be seen. This chapter may be over, but bigger questions about artist rights, mental health, and loyalty in K-pop are far from answered.