August M
Uncertainty is growing around the future of chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans after a fresh rupture with their record label, capping a year marked by legal battles and internal conflict.
The latest development leaves the group facing an unclear path forward just months after hopes of a full comeback were raised.
Contract terminated
Ador confirmed on Monday that it had ended its contract with 20-year-old member Danielle Marsh, the BBC reported.
The label said it had decided it was no longer possible to continue working with her. Another member, Minji, remains in discussions with the agency, leaving the group reduced to three active members for now.
Hybe, Ador’s parent company, has been approached for comment by the BBC.
Legal escalation
South Korean media reported on Tuesday that Ador is seeking $32m in damages from Danielle, a member of her family and former Ador chief executive Min Hee-jin.
Ador has accused the latter two of bearing significant responsibility for the breakdown in relations between the agency and NewJeans. None of those named have responded publicly.
The label also claimed that members of the group had been exposed to misleading information, resulting in misunderstandings about Ador’s actions.
How it unravelled
NewJeans debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of the world’s biggest-selling music acts, praised for reshaping modern K-pop with a retro-inspired sound.
Their dispute with Ador erupted in 2024 after Min Hee-jin, regarded by the group as a mentor, was dismissed.
NewJeans accused the label of mistreatment and attempted to leave, but a court ruled in October that they must remain under contract until 2029.
Reports later suggested all five members would return, but Ador’s latest announcement has reversed that expectation.
Uncertain future
Music critic Lim Hee-yun told the BBC that NewJeans had played a transformative role in female K-pop, but said that future success would be difficult with fewer members.
He added that Danielle’s prospects as a musician were now unclear, suggesting she may need to explore alternative paths in entertainment if the dispute continues.
Sources: BBC
