NewJeans Lineup Shifts: Danielle Departs ADOR as Hanni Recommits Following Legal Dispute
In a significant update regarding the future of the K-pop phenomenon NewJeans, ADOR—the HYBE subsidiary—has clarified the group’s evolving roster following a prolonged period of legal friction. The label’s announcement signals a major shift for the quintet as they navigate the aftermath of a high-stakes courtroom battle.
On Monday, December 29, ADOR released a statement via X confirming that Danielle will no longer be a part of NewJeans. This decision follows a pivotal legal victory for the label earlier this year. ADOR stated that after evaluating the current circumstances, it was determined that Danielle could not realistically continue her tenure as a member of the group or as an artist under the label. Consequently, her exclusive contract has been officially terminated.
The label also signaled its intent to pursue further litigation, specifically targeting former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and a member of Danielle’s immediate family. ADOR alleges they bear primary responsibility for instigating the dispute and causing significant interruptions to the group’s career trajectory.
This update arrives roughly a month after members Haerin and Hyein confirmed their commitment to remain with ADOR after extensive consultations with their families. The label has now confirmed that Hanni will also stay with the group. According to the statement, Hanni and her family engaged in deep, objective discussions with ADOR leadership, ultimately choosing to honor the court’s recent rulings. Meanwhile, Minji remains in active negotiations regarding her future with the company.
The rift between the “Super Shy” singers and their management first intensified in 2024 when the group attempted to dissolve their ties with ADOR to pursue independent music releases. The members argued that the firing of their mentor, Min Hee-jin, constituted a breach of contract. However, the judiciary eventually sided with ADOR, ruling that the termination of a CEO did not provide sufficient legal grounds for the artists to void their seven-year exclusive agreements.
While ADOR has confirmed that a new studio album is fully prepared for release, the company emphasized that its current priority is mending the “persistent misunderstandings” caused by what they describe as “distorted and biased information” fed to the members over a long period. The label warned that fully resolving these controversies and restoring public trust may take some time.
NewJeans took the music world by storm upon their 2022 debut, quickly achieving global stardom. Their second EP, Get Up, famously debuted at the summit of the Billboard 200 in 2023. During the height of their internal conflict in early 2025, the group briefly performed and released material under the moniker “NJZ.” This independent venture was halted by a court injunction, and the members were subsequently fined $734,000 each for engaging in unauthorized professional activities.
[NOTICE] 뉴진스 멤버 복귀 관련하여 알려드립니다.
어도어는 전속계약유효확인의 소 판결 확정 이후 민지, 하니, 다니엘 및 세 멤버의 가족분들과 많은 대화를 나눠왔습니다.
하니는 가족분들과 함께 한국을 방문해 어도어와 장시간에 걸쳐 깊이 있는 대화를 나누었습니다. 그 과정에서 지난 일들을…
— ADOR (@alldoorsoneroom) December 29, 2025
