Former NewJeans member Danielle has spoken out about being dropped from the group amid their ongoing legal dispute with record label ADOR.
Last November, ADOR announced that members Hyein and Haerin had “expressed their intention to continue their activities” with the label after a lengthy legal battle.
- READ MORE: NewJeans on The Cover: “We want to show the industry that music shouldn’t be divided by language”
The following month, the company – a subsidiary of HYBE, South Korea’s biggest label – confirmed that, while talks were still underway with some members, Danielle’s contract had come to an end.
ADOR also said that Hanni had ultimately decided to remain with the label “in respect of the court’s decision”, and that Minji was still in discussions. However, no final decision has been shared for the latter.
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin had previously said in a statement that “NewJeans must be kept intact as five members”. “I hope the members grow stronger and that NewJeans becomes an even better group, and above all, that all five members are happy,” she added.
As the Yonhap News Agency reports, Danielle explained in a livestream yesterday (Monday January 12) that she had “fought till the end” to remain with the K-pop group and former NME Cover stars.
The broadcast marked her first public comments about the situation since the termination of her contract with ADOR.
“I fought till the end to be with my fellow members,” she said during the nine-minute stream, titled “Dear Bunnies” – a reference to NewJeans’ fandom.
“There always is NewJeans in one side of my mind. This is not the end but the beginning.”
The singer stopped short of speaking about the specifics of the ongoing legal process, but told fans that she would share further updates on the case “when the time comes”.
Danielle appeared emotional during the stream, which aired via her personal Instagram and YouTube channels. She thanked viewers for their support and remembered their encouragement during live performances.
ADOR plans to sue Danielle, a member of her family, and Min Hee-jin. They allege that the latter bears “significant responsibility for causing this dispute and for the delays in NewJeans’ departure and return”.
“We determined it would be difficult to continue with Danielle as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist and notified her today of the termination of the exclusive contract,” the label said in the statement.
The total amount sought from the three individuals amounts to nearly 43.1billion won (£22million), per Yonhap.
Elsewhere, MrBeast – who is the biggest YouTuber with 460million subscribers – has responded to calls for him to save Danielle by buying NewJeans or ADOR.
When asked if he would consider this on a recent JasonTheWeen stream, he replied: “Yeah, I mean the number I keep seeing is $30million. It’s a lot of money, but if it makes sense. I guess if that’s what the internet needs, if that’ll help them bring them back together. Is that what they want?”
Last October, the Seoul Central District Court rejected NewJeans’ appeal to terminate their contract and agreement with ADOR in order for them to pursue independent activities. As a result of this verdict, NewJeans are required to remain with ADOR exclusively until 2029.
NewJeans announced in late 2024 that they would be departing the agency due to alleged mistreatment and manipulation. ADOR has denied these claims.