On December 31, 2025 the YouTube channel Entertainment President Lee Jin-ho posted a video addressing the growing conflict between ADOR and Danielle. In the video, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho claimed that Danielle had lost the trust of both ADOR and HYBE, as well as the trust of the other NewJeans members. It said that during a period when tensions between NewJeans and ADOR were escalating, Danielle entered into a three-way independent advertising contract with a luxury brand, separate from the group’s businesses, reportedly earning billions of won. According to the channel, this decision caused further friction and led other members to distance themselves from her.
The channel also highlighted the significance of ADOR grouping Danielle’s mother together with former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin in its official statements. He stated that this framing was intended to formally assign responsibility for the suspension of NewJeans’ activities towards these two entities. The video further suggested that ADOR’s position served two purposes: first, as a final gesture towards Minji, and second, as an indication that the company may have protected records of communications exchanged not only by Danielle but also by her mother and Min Hee-jin.
Meanwhile, ADOR has officially filed a lawsuit for damages against Danielle, a member of her family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, with a total claim of approximately ₩43.1 billion. In response, Danielle appointed legal counsel and filed a power of attorney with the court.
Previously, on December 29, 2025, ADOR announced the termination of Danielle’s exclusive contract, stating that it would pursue legal liability against a member of Danielle’s family and Min Hee-jin, who it said bear significant responsibility for triggering the controversy and delaying NewJeans’ return.
Before the lawsuit was formally disclosed, speculation within legal circles suggested that ADOR’s claim against Danielle could reach ₩100 billion if the contractual penalty clauses were fully enforced. 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 first via ADOR, while Minji, Hanni and Danielle expressed their intention to return via 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 decision: Hanni will return to the agency, talks with Minji will continue, and Danielle’s contract will be terminated. As the legal proceedings continue, public attention remains focused on whether the reported breakdown of trust within NewJeans will have lasting implications for the group’s future.
Sources: Naver
