Hopes for a full-member return of K-pop group NewJeans suffered a major blow after Ador announced the termination of its exclusive contract with member Danielle.
In a statement released on Monday, the agency provided an update on discussions with NewJeans members Minji, Hanni and Danielle following a court ruling that affirmed the validity of their exclusive contracts with Ador.
“After the court’s decision, we held multiple discussions with Minji, Hanni, Danielle and their families,” Ador said. “Hanni and her family visited Korea and participated in sincere talks with the company, after which she chose to remain with Ador in respect of the court’s ruling.”
The agency added that conversations with Minji are still ongoing, though no final decision regarding her status has been announced.
Danielle, however, will no longer continue under the label.
“Regarding Danielle, we concluded that it would be difficult for her to continue activities as a NewJeans member and as an Ador artist. As such, the company has notified her today of the termination of her exclusive contract,” the statement said.
Ador also indicated that it is considering legal action against Danielle’s family and former Ador chief executive Min Hee-jin, alleging their involvement in sparking the dispute and interfering with the group’s activities.
