On December 29 (KST), ADOR announced that it had ended Danielle’s contract and would pursue legal action against her. According to Korean media reports, the agency is seeking both contractual penalties and compensation for damages, citing alleged breaches and external interference.
Industry and legal experts estimate the potential penalty could reach up to 100 billion KRW (approximately $75 million USD). The figure is based on standard K-Pop contract calculations, which often factor in an agency’s annual revenue multiplied by the remaining contract period. ADOR’s contract with NewJeans reportedly runs through July 2029, leaving more than four years remaining.
ADOR has also stated its intention to hold additional parties legally accountable, including a member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee-jin, whom the company claims played a significant role in the dispute and Danielle’s departure from the group.
The lawsuit places Danielle in a different legal position from the other NewJeans members. While ADOR recently reaffirmed the validity of all five members’ exclusive contracts and began discussions about their return, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have since agreed to resume activities under the agency. Minji remains in talks, while Danielle now faces a separate and potentially costly legal battle.
As the situation continues to unfold, the case is being closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, with major implications for both Danielle’s career and the broader NewJeans–ADOR conflict.
Source: Times Now
