- Danielle broke her silence about her ADOR departure in a livestream on Jan 12, 2026, portraying it as both an end and a new beginning.
- ADOR has filed a lawsuit for ₩43.1B in damages, stating that they can no longer continue with her as a NewJeans member.
- The dispute has shattered NewJeans' original five-member roster, while also casting a doubt on the band and Danielle’s future.
Danielle Marsh, an ex-NewJeans member, made her first public remarks since her Dec 2025 contract termination in an emotional livestream. She described her exit as both an end and a beginning, amid a high-stakes legal battle with agency ADOR.
Danielle held a 10-minute Instagram and YouTube stream on Jan 12 at 7 p.m. KST, attracting tens of thousands of people. She shared her experience and viewpoint in both Korean and English. Despite her contract being terminated by ADOR on Dec 29, 2025, she stated that she "fought till the very end to be together with the members," highlighting her deep attachment to NewJeans.
Danielle Faces High-stakes ADOR Lawsuit Amidst an Unsure Career Path
Danielle acknowledged changes in her perception of "family and the world" during the conflict, but did not share any clarification on the legal issues or her next professional plans. However, she promised updates "when the time comes." She added in the livestream that this was "only the beginning" and expressed her desire to share future moments with followers, "whether through music, silence, or small moments."
ADOR recently filed a lawsuit against Danielle, a family member, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, claiming ₩ 43.1 billion (~ $29.8 million USD) in damages for breach of contract and negative publicity related to the broader dispute. The company previously stated in an announcement that it had “determined it would be difficult to continue together with Danielle as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist.”
The conflict led to a split in NewJeans' original lineup of five members. According to reports, Hanni has returned to ADOR, while Haerin and Hyein had previously rejoined, while Minji is still in negotiations, raising the possibility of the group continuing with fewer members. Danielle's contract termination terminates the five-member formation that began in 2022.
Danielle's legal team is anticipated to release formal remarks on Tuesday. As the legal process progresses, her career trajectory and NewJeans' group dynamics continue to be hot topics for fans and industry watchers alike. Danielle's agency conflict in the K-pop industry may reshape her identity as an artist navigating personal and legal challenges, rather than just as a former member of a popular group.
