K-pop group NewJeans faces turmoil as Ador and Hybe sue Danielle Marsh, risking their future as a five-member group and sparking fan outrage.

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NewJeans Lawsuit: Danielle Marsh Sued by Ador and Hybe in Ongoing K-pop Feud

By Kelly Ng, Jake Kwon, Seoul Correspondent

A Year-Long Feud Reaches a Breaking Point

The chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans is once again at the center of controversy after their record label, Ador, backed by parent company Hybe, filed a lawsuit against member Danielle Marsh, a family member, and the group’s former boss, Min Hee-jin. The companies are seeking $30 million in damages and as a penalty for breach of contract, marking yet another dramatic twist in what has become a bitter and public disagreement within the K-pop industry.

Band in Turmoil: Uncertainty for Members

The band, which previously soared to global fame and critical acclaim following their 2022 debut, has recently been reduced to three members following the uncertain return of Minji and Danielle’s abrupt contract termination. Less than two months earlier, there was hope among fans and media that NewJeans would continue as a five-member group. However, the latest lawsuit and contract disputes have dashed these expectations.

Fan Reactions: “NewJeans Is Five or Nothing”

The K-pop community has been vocal online, with fans rallying around the slogan, “NewJeans is five or nothing,” and questioning why Danielle was targeted by the label. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, supporters argued that removing Danielle fundamentally changes the group.

“Does this make any sense??? NewJeans without Danielle isn’t NewJeans. Do you think you can just erase a member this easily? Give us back Danielle,” read one X post.
“It’s not fair at all. Free NewJeans [all 5 members]. All they wanted to do was be artists and make their fans happy,” shared another fan on Instagram.

The Beginning of the Conflict

NewJeans quickly became a game-changer in the industry, blending 1990s R&B influences with catchy pop melodies and earning a spot among the world’s best-selling acts. However, in 2024, a dramatic split emerged after the controversial dismissal of Min Hee-jin, Ador’s former CEO and the group’s mentor. The public feud led NewJeans to accuse Ador of “mistreatment” and deliberate miscommunications, prompting them to announce their departure from the agency.

Ador responded with a lawsuit to block their exit, which it won in court. The district court ruled NewJeans must honor their contract until 2029, temporarily redefining the terms of their future and quelling rumors of a group split.

More Legal Threats Loom Over Danielle Marsh

On Monday, Ador announced it had formally terminated its contract with Danielle Marsh and would pursue further legal action against a family member of Danielle and former CEO Min. The label concluded that both parties “bear significant responsibility” for the rift, though they did not provide details on a lawsuit against Danielle, stating it was “difficult to continue working with her.” The company further alleged that the members were “exposed to persistently distorted and biased information” contributing to mistrust.

The future of the remaining members is equally uncertain. Hanni has decided to stay after “extended conversations,” while Minji’s status remains in flux.

The Future of NewJeans and Its Members

Ador’s instability initially left Hyein and Haerin as the sole returning members, but brief reassurance came with news that Hanni, Danielle, and Minji would also rejoin—though only temporarily.

According to music critic Lim Hee-yun, “NewJeans is a very important group that changed the world of female K-pop acts. For fans, hope was to see their return as a full five-member team. That’s no longer possible.” Lim noted that Ador may need to recruit new members if Minji departs and added, “It is hard for three-member groups to find success in the K-pop industry, where fans pay close attention to the relationships and chemistry between members.”

Danielle’s career as a musician is now in question. Lim suggests, “There will be a large part of the public and record labels that see her negatively because of this controversy. She might need to pursue solo opportunities as an actor, model, or influencer.”

What This Means for K-pop

The ongoing dispute between NewJeans and Ador/Hybe highlights not only the challenges faced by young K-pop idols, but also broader issues of control, trust, and fan loyalty in the music industry. The group’s uncertain future remains a topic of intense debate both within Korea and among global audiences.

Stay Updated

For more on the evolving landscape of K-pop and group contracts, check out our guide to K-pop contract disputes. For official updates and in-depth news, visit the BBC Entertainment & Arts section.