On December 31, 2025, the YouTube channel Entertainment President Lee Jin-ho released a video addressing the escalating conflict between ADOR and Danielle. In the video, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho claimed that Danielle had lost the confidence of both ADOR and HYBE, as well as the trust of the other NewJeans members. He alleged that during a period when tensions between NewJeans and ADOR were intensifying, Danielle entered into an independent three-party advertising contract with a luxury brand, separate from group activities, reportedly earning billions of won. According to the channel, this decision allegedly caused further friction and led other members to distance themselves from her.
The channel also emphasized the significance of ADOR grouping Danielle’s mother together with former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin in its official statements. It claimed this framing was intended to formally assign responsibility for the suspension of NewJeans’ activities to those two individuals. The video further suggested that ADOR’s position served two purposes: first, as a final gesture toward Minji, and second, as an indication that the company may have secured records of communications exchanged not only by Danielle but also by her mother and Min Hee-jin.
Meanwhile, ADOR has officially filed a lawsuit seeking damages against Danielle, one member of her family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, with the total claim amounting to approximately ₩43.1 billion. In response, Danielle has appointed legal counsel and submitted a power of attorney to the court.
Earlier, on December 29, 2025, ADOR announced the termination of Danielle’s exclusive contract, stating that it would pursue legal responsibility against one member of Danielle’s family and Min Hee-jin, whom it claims bear significant responsibility for triggering the dispute and delaying NewJeans’ return.
Before the lawsuit was formally disclosed, speculation within legal circles suggested that ADOR’s claim against Danielle could reach as high as ₩100 billion if contractual penalty clauses were fully applied. However, it has been confirmed that the company is seeking damages totaling approximately ₩43.1 billion from Danielle, her family member, and Min Hee-jin combined.
ADOR and NewJeans have been engaged in an exclusive contract dispute since 2024. In October 2025, the court ruled in favor of ADOR, after which all members announced their intention to return to the agency. Haerin and Hyein confirmed their return through ADOR first, while Minji, Hanni, and Danielle expressed their intent to return through legal representatives. Because these intentions were communicated without prior discussion with the agency, ADOR held individual meetings with each member.
After more than a month and a half of discussions, ADOR announced its final decisions: Hanni would return to the agency, talks with Minji would continue, and Danielle’s contract would be terminated. As legal proceedings move forward, public attention remains focused on whether the reported breakdown in trust within NewJeans will have lasting implications for the group’s future.
Sources: Naver
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