ADOR has terminated its exclusive contract with Danielle.
On December 29, ADOR released a statement explaining, "After determining that it would be difficult to continue working with Daniel as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist, the company has formally notified her today of the termination of her exclusive contract.”
The agency added, "We plan to pursue legal responsibility against one member of Danielle’s family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, who bear significant responsibility for causing the current dispute and for the members’ departure from NewJeans as well as delays in their return."
According to recent reports by Newsis, the family member referenced in the statement is Danielle's mother, who has been identified as a key collaborator in the alleged tampering controversy involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.
Meanwhile, fellow member Hanni remains with ADOR, while Minji is currently in discussions with the agency. Previously, NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein had already returned to ADOR.
Earlier last year, all five NewJeans members had declared the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR, citing a breakdown of trust. However, the court rejected all of their claims and ruled that the exclusive contracts with ADOR remain valid. This decision reaffirmed that the exclusive contracts between ADOR and the NewJeans members are in effect through July 31, 2029.
Following ADOR's confirmation of Danielle's contract termination, speculation has emerged that Danielle is subject to penalties for the damages her mother caused. The penalty and damages could reach as high as 108 billion KRW (approximately 80 million USD) according to speculations.
Korean netizens have gathered in a popular online community to share their thoughts and express shock about Danielle's departure from the group. They commented:
"At this point, even if they bring the remaining members back, do you really think they’ll be able to promote properly?"
"ADOR probably will let the girls rot. They're not going to support NewJeans' activities."
"I thought they were just riding on Hanni and Minji’s backs, but it looks like Danielle's family member was actually the ringleader."
"What did they do behind the scenes for even the family to get dragged into a lawsuit…? Most members seem to be accepted back, but one alone gets contract termination — something must be there."
"So this was the core issue..."
"So HYBE is basically trying to dismantle NewJeans. That’s seriously messed up."
"I'm so shocked that Danielle's family was the main one against ADOR."
"But Danielle got what she wanted. She got out of ADOR."
"ADOR must have evidence to respond this strongly…"
"Apparently, Bang didn’t even like her being in the debut lineup back then — why would now be any different?"
"Wonder what really happened. I am shocked Danielle is the only one leaving."
"ADOR seems to express they would take back the other members, but to kick Danielle like that, it must mean they had solid proof."
"It's going to be impossible for NewJeans to make a comeback."
"Wow, her mother must be something."
"Wow, HYBE really is something."
"I thought Minji's mother was the main instigator in this case, but I guess it was Danielle's mother."
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