Danielle Officially Leaves NewJeans, Faces 108 Billion Won Fine?

On December 29, 2025, ADOR officially announced the termination of its exclusive contract with Danielle, a member of NewJeans.

The agency explained that it was difficult for Danielle to continue her activities as a member of NewJeans or as an artist under ADOR.

This decision was based on Danielle's alleged breach of contract.ADOR accused Danielle of violating her exclusive contract by signing conflicting agreements or engaging in independent entertainment activities.

These actions were also deemed to have damaged the reputation and credibility of ADOR and the NewJeans group.

The agency requested Danielle correct these violations, but no corrective action was taken within the specified timeframe.

Danielle's failure to comply with these requests for correction was the primary reason for ADOR's decision to terminate the contract.

The agency also added that Danielle was allegedly exposed to biased and distorted information over a long period of time, which led to misunderstandings and exacerbated the situation.

Following the contract termination, ADOR plans to pursue legal action against several parties it believes are involved.

Among them are Danielle's family members and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

Both are considered to have played significant roles in instigating the dispute and hampering NewJeans' activities and comeback.

Although ADOR has not disclosed the exact amount of the fine, speculation has been rife regarding the potential for a substantial penalty for Danielle.

The estimated figure, estimated at 108 billion won, has drawn public attention.

This estimated fine is based on ADOR's average monthly income and Danielle's remaining contract period.

However, it should be noted that the court has the authority to lower the fine if it is deemed unfair or excessively burdensome.

This legal process is expected to be a lengthy battle that will determine Danielle's financial fate and future career.

The legal case currently ensnaring Danielle is the culmination of a long-running dispute rooted in an internal management crisis that began in mid-2024.

The controversy began when HYBE, ADOR's parent company, engaged in open conflict with Min Hee-jin, then ADOR's CEO.

This feud began as a corporate conflict that later escalated into an artist contract dispute.

In November 2024, the members of NewJeans held an emergency press conference and unilaterally announced the termination of their contracts with ADOR. They then pursued independent activities under the name NJZ.

This action further strained the relationship between the agency and its members, creating significant uncertainty about the group's future.

This conflict has been in the spotlight of the media and K-Pop fans for months, exposing a dark side of the entertainment industry filled with intrigue and power struggles.

Min Hee-jin herself has stated that the lawsuit with HYBE is not about money, but about her struggle and self-respect, and that she feels betrayed by HYBE.

NEWJEANS IS FIVE. pic.twitter.com/LrqvnrHHcR

— hanni ⁵ (@hannihourly) December 29, 2025

Many took to social media with the slogan: "NewJeans is five or nothing." Other fans also questioned why Marsh was singled out.

"Does this make any sense??? NewJeans without Danielle isn't NewJeans. Do you think you can just erase a member this easily? Give us back Danielle," one wrote in an X post.

"It's not fair at all. Free NewJeans (all 5 members)," another wrote on Instagram. "All they wanted to do was to be [artists] and make their fans happy."

Danielle Marsh hasn't made any comments on the matter.