Danielle, a former member of K-pop group NewJeans, has spoken publicly for the first time since her agency, ADOR, formally terminated her exclusive contract, marking her official removal from one of South Korea’s most commercially successful girl groups.
In an emotional livestream on Wednesday addressed to fans and titled “Dear Bunnies,” Danielle said she had “fought until the very end” to remain with the group, underscoring the personal toll of the split.
“I did everything I could to stay with the members,” she said. “NewJeans will always live in my heart. Even if I now stand in a different place, I will continue to support them with the same feelings, as one of the Bunnies.”
Danielle characterized her departure not as an ending but as the start of a new chapter, adding that she hopes to share her future “honestly and beautifully” with fans. She declined to address details of ongoing legal proceedings, saying matters are still being resolved and that updates would come at an appropriate time.
Her remarks come amid a prolonged legal dispute between ADOR and the members of NewJeans over the validity of their exclusive contracts. On Oct. 30 last year, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, confirming that the contracts with all five members remained valid.
Following the ruling, members Haerin and Hyein returned to the agency in November, while Hanni rejoined in December after further negotiations. Danielle and fellow member Minji initially signaled their intent to return as well, but talks ultimately broke down in Danielle’s case. Minji’s status remains under discussion, according to industry officials.
ADOR said it formally notified Danielle of the termination of her contract after concluding that the artist relationship was no longer viable.
“ADOR determined that it would be difficult to continue working together with Danielle as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist,” the company said in a statement. The agency added that it plans to pursue legal action against a member of Danielle’s family and former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin, whom it accused of playing a central role in the dispute and in delaying the group’s return.
ADOR has filed lawsuits seeking a combined $32 million in penalties and damages against Danielle, her family and Ms. Min.
The dispute has drawn wide attention across South Korea’s entertainment industry, highlighting growing tensions between artists, management companies and creative leadership within K-pop’s tightly controlled contract system, as the industry grapples with questions of control, autonomy and long-term sustainability.
