HANNI Stays, DANIELLE Faces Legal Action: ADOR's Different Approach to NewJeans

ADOR says it’s moving forward with NewJeans’ HANNI ― while preparing a legal fight against DANIELLE ― underscoring the label’s divergent approach to the group’s members.

On the 29th, ADOR announced it had notified DANIELLE of the termination of her exclusive contract, saying it determined it could no longer work with her as a NewJeans member under the label. The company added it plans to pursue legal responsibility against one of DANIELLE’s family members and former CEO Min Hee-jin, whom it alleges played a significant role in creating the current dispute, NewJeans' departure and delaying the group's return plans. At the same time, ADOR said it will continue with HANNI, in addition to the already confirmed HAERIN and HYEIN, and is in discussions with MINJI’s family.

According to ADOR, HANNI recently visited Korea with her family for extended conversations with the label. During those talks, both sides revisited recent events and tried to view them objectively. After what ADOR called a candid exchange, HANNI decided to respect the court’s ruling and continue with the company. The label added that MINJI is also in discussions aimed at building mutual understanding.

ADOR’s approach toward the five members of NewJeans clearly shows differing degrees of response.

Industry sources suggest DANIELLE’s termination may be tied to the ongoing courtroom showdown over a roughly 26 billion won put option dispute between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Min has sued HYBE over the exercise of a stock purchase right, while HYBE has filed a separate suit seeking to confirm the termination of a shareholders’ agreement involving Min and two associates.

Whether DANIELLE or her side engaged with that litigation around the time the members announced plans to return to ADOR could become a focal point in any case against her.

Previously, ADOR said it moved to end DANIELLE’s contract over alleged breaches, including entering into agreements that conflict with her existing contract, pursuing independent entertainment activities, and actions that it claims harmed the reputation or credibility of the company and NewJeans. The label said it demanded corrective action, but when that did not occur within the deadline, it proceeded with termination and plans to file its complaint this week.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)