The legal dispute between NewJeans (뉴진스)(briefly known as NJZ) and their label ADOR remains unresolved, despite a final court ruling that upheld the validity of the group’s exclusive contracts. Although the members filed an appeal, the motion was ultimately rejected, leading to the abandonment of the temporary name NJZ.
It was then reported that all 5 members, Hyein (혜인), Haerin (해린), Minji (민지), Hanni (하니) and Danielle (다니엘), will return to the label out of respect for the court’s ruling. However, it appears that plans have now changed after it was announced that Danielle will be departing from the group. Here’s the story:
Earlier today (Monday, 29th December), ADOR released an official statement addressing the ongoing situation involving the NewJeans members and their future activities. The company confirmed that Danielle will no longer be part of the group and that her exclusive contract with the agency has been terminated. “In Danielle’s case, we determined that it would be difficult to continue together as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist, and today we notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract,” the statement read.
In addition to the contract termination, ADOR stated that it intends to pursue legal action against Danielle’s family member and former CEO Min Hee Jin, whom the company claims bears significant responsibility for triggering the dispute, as well as for NewJeans’ departure and delayed return. As for the other members, it was said that Hyein, Haerin, Minji, and Hanni are expected to return with Minji still in discussion with ADOR to broaden mutual understanding.
“The company and the artists agree that, to regain the love of fans and the public, it is necessary to fully dispel these misunderstandings based on accurate facts. We have also agreed to find an opportunity to address the various controversies that arose during the dispute and are discussing the timing and manner. ADOR will do its utmost to bring this matter to an amicable conclusion and to ensure that NewJeans can return to fans as soon as possible,” the agency added.
Fans were understandably shocked by the announcement, with many expressing devastation over the departure of one of the members. At the time of writing, Danielle has yet to publicly address the news of her termination, though it is unfortunate that the situation has reached this point. What are your thoughts on this development?
Sources: Twitter, Soompi, StraitsTimes
