The ongoing legal battle between ADOR and its flagship girl group NewJeans has taken a decisive turn, resulting in a major lineup change that fans around the world are still processing.

On Monday, December 29, ADOR released an official statement addressing the group’s future amid its prolonged legal conflict with the members. The most striking update confirmed that Danielle, one of the original five members, will not be returning to NewJeans following the company’s court victory earlier this year.

According to ADOR, the decision came after careful internal review. The label stated that it had concluded continuing Danielle’s activities as both a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist would no longer be feasible. As a result, her exclusive contract has officially been terminated.

Legal Accountability and Internal Tensions

In the same statement, ADOR revealed plans to pursue legal responsibility against a member of Danielle’s family, as well as former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The company claims both parties played a significant role in escalating the dispute and delaying the group’s return to normal activities.

This announcement underscores how deeply personal and complex the conflict has become, extending beyond professional disagreements into family and leadership dynamics that have shaped the trajectory of one of K-pop’s biggest acts.

Other Members’ Decisions: Where NewJeans Stands Now

The update arrives weeks after ADOR confirmed that Haerin and Hyein had chosen to continue working with the company following extensive discussions with their families. In Monday’s statement, ADOR also shared that Hanni has now decided to remain with the label.

According to the company, Hanni traveled to South Korea with her family and engaged in lengthy, in-depth conversations with ADOR executives. During these discussions, all parties revisited past events and reassessed the situation more objectively. Ultimately, Hanni chose to stay, citing respect for the court’s ruling.

Meanwhile, Minji’s future remains uncertain. ADOR stated that discussions with her are still ongoing, leaving fans waiting for clarity about whether the group will move forward as a quartet or face further changes.

How the Conflict Began

Tensions between ADOR and NewJeans first became public in 2024, when the group announced intentions to part ways with the company and pursue independent music releases. At the time, the members alleged that ADOR had breached their contract by removing Min Hee-jin, who had served as their creative mentor since debut.

ADOR pushed back against those claims, maintaining that the leadership change did not justify terminating the group’s seven-year exclusive contract. After months of legal proceedings, the court sided with ADOR, ruling that Min’s dismissal did not constitute sufficient grounds for contract termination.

Following the verdict, ADOR released a statement expressing hope that the ruling would encourage reflection and reconciliation after what it described as a thorough examination of facts and claims.

Album Plans and Rebuilding Trust

Initially, ADOR reassured fans that preparations for a new NewJeans studio album had been completed and would move forward once the legal dispute settled. However, the company’s latest comments suggest a shift in priorities.

Rather than rushing new music, ADOR says its primary goal now is to fully resolve lingering misunderstandings between the members, the company, and the public. The label acknowledged that these issues stemmed from what it described as prolonged exposure to biased or distorted information, which ultimately fueled the conflict.

ADOR noted that the members have agreed to address the controversies surrounding the dispute at a later date, with discussions ongoing regarding the timing and format of those conversations.

From Global Stardom to Uncertainty

NewJeans debuted in 2022 and quickly rose to international prominence. Their momentum peaked in 2023 with the release of Get Up, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying their status as global K-pop stars.

In 2025, amid their clash with ADOR, the group briefly began releasing music and performing independently under the name “NJZ.” Those activities were halted after ADOR filed for a preliminary injunction, which the court approved. In June, each member was fined approximately $734,000 for unauthorized activities.

What Comes Next for NewJeans?

With ADOR Lawsuit Fallout Leads to Danielle’s Departure From NewJeans now a defining chapter in the group’s history, the future remains uncertain. As some members recommit to ADOR and others weigh their options, fans are left watching closely to see how one of K-pop’s most influential groups will rebuild—both musically and emotionally—after one of the most turbulent legal disputes the industry has seen.