NewJeans label ADOR confirms major lineup update as contract dispute continues to unfold
NewJeans' label ADOR has provided an update on where it stands with all its members.
The ongoing contract saga surrounding K‑pop group NewJeans has taken another major turn, with ADOR issuing a detailed update on the status of the group’s remaining members. The announcement follows last month’s development in which Haerin and Hyein agreed to return to the label after a court upheld the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts with HYBE subsidiary ADOR.
With two members now officially back under the agency, attention shifted to Minji, Hanni and Danielle — and ADOR has now broken its silence with a lengthy statement outlining where each artist stands.
The update confirms that Hanni will remain with the group, while Minji’s future is still being negotiated. Danielle, however, has been formally released from her contract, marking the first official departure since tensions between the members, ADOR, and former CEO Min Hee Jin escalated earlier this year.
ADOR’s statement also suggests the agency intends to address the wider controversy publicly once discussions with the artists are complete, signalling that the dispute may continue to evolve in the coming months.
For now, fans are left waiting to see how NewJeans will move forward as ADOR works to stabilise the group’s lineup and prepare for their eventual return to the stage.
The agency's full statement, translated in English, read: “Following the court’s final ruling in the lawsuit confirming the validity of the exclusive contracts, ADOR has held extensive discussions with Minji, Hanni, Danielle, and the families of the three members.
"Hanni visited Korea with her family and engaged in long, in-depth conversations with ADOR. In the process, we revisited past events and took time to view matters objectively. After candid talks, Hanni decided to respect the court’s ruling and continue with ADOR.
"Minji is also in talks with ADOR, and discussions are ongoing to broaden mutual understanding.
"In Danielle’s case, we determined that it would be difficult to continue together as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist, and today we notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract. In addition, we plan to pursue legal accountability for one member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee Jin, who bear significant responsibility for precipitating this dispute and for NewJeans’ departure and delayed return.
"Through these conversations, ADOR learned that, over a long period, the members had been continuously exposed to distorted and biased information, which led to many misunderstandings about the company and ultimately to this dispute. The company and the artists agree that, to regain the love of fans and the public, it is necessary—even if it takes some time—to fully dispel these misunderstandings based on accurate facts. We have also agreed to find an opportunity to address the various controversies that arose during the dispute and are discussing the timing and manner.
"ADOR will do its utmost to bring this matter to an amicable conclusion and to ensure that NewJeans can return to fans as soon as possible.”
