Why Was Danielle the Only Member to Leave NewJeans?
Confirmed Returns, Ongoing Talks, and What Happens Next
On December 29, 2025, ADOR officially announced a major turning point for the K-pop group NewJeans.
While several members decided to return to the agency, Danielle became the only member whose exclusive contract was terminated.
This decision immediately raised a key question among fans and industry observers worldwide:
Why was Danielle the only member to leave NewJeans?
This article breaks down what happened, who has officially returned, and what the future may hold for the group.
What Happened Between ADOR and NewJeans?
The conflict between NewJeans and their agency ADOR stems from a long-running contractual dispute that escalated into legal action.
After the court confirmed the validity of the exclusive contracts, ADOR began individual discussions with each member and their families.
These discussions resulted in different decisions by different members, ultimately leading to a split outcome.
ADOR emphasized that the process was not collective, but based on individual evaluations and mutual trust.
Why Was Danielle’s Contract Terminated?
According to ADOR’s official statement, Danielle’s contract termination was not a voluntary withdrawal but a company decision.
ADOR stated that:
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After extensive discussions, it became difficult to maintain a professional trust relationship
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Danielle could no longer continue as both a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist
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As a result, the agency formally notified her of contract termination
Unlike other members, ADOR concluded that rebuilding cooperation with Danielle was no longer feasible.
This distinction explains why Danielle alone was removed, while other members remained under contract.
Why Did Hanni Decide to Return?
In contrast, Hanni confirmed her return to ADOR.
ADOR explained that Hanni traveled to Korea with her family and engaged in long, in-depth discussions with the agency.
After reviewing the situation, she chose to respect the court ruling and resume activities under ADOR.
Both parties reportedly agreed that restoring trust with fans and the public should take priority over prolonging conflict.
Which NewJeans Members Have Officially Returned?
As of December 29, 2025, the status of NewJeans members is as follows:
✅ Members Who Have Returned
⏳ Member Still in Discussion
❌ Contract Terminated
At present, three members have officially resumed their relationship with ADOR, while Minji’s final decision remains undecided.
Is a Full Group Comeback Still Possible?
A full NewJeans comeback is currently uncertain.
With Danielle’s departure confirmed and Minji still in negotiations, the group cannot operate as a complete unit.
ADOR has stated that it will focus on resolving misunderstandings and restoring credibility, even if that process takes time.
The group’s future structure may involve:
Legal Disputes and Industry Impact
ADOR also announced that it is considering legal responsibility for individuals it believes contributed to the dispute, including external parties.
This case has sparked renewed discussion within the K-pop industry about:
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The strength of exclusive contracts
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The influence of third parties
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The limits of artist-agency trust
Industry experts note that the outcome of this dispute could influence future contract standards across K-pop agencies.
Final Summary
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Danielle was the only NewJeans member whose contract was terminated due to trust-related concerns.
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Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein have officially returned to ADOR.
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Minji remains in discussions, leaving the group’s final structure undecided.
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A full-group comeback is not confirmed, and NewJeans may continue under a partial lineup.
While NewJeans remains one of the most influential K-pop groups globally, this moment marks a critical turning point in their history.
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