The K-pop world has been rocked by a multi-million pound lawsuit, as record label Ador has terminated the contract of NewJeans member Danielle Marsh and is now pursuing her for substantial damages. The legal action, announced on Monday, marks a dramatic escalation in a year-long feud that saw the hugely popular group attempt to leave their management.
A Costly Departure: The £22m Lawsuit
Ador, a subsidiary of the entertainment giant Hybe which also manages BTS, is seeking nearly 43.1 billion won (approximately £22 million) in compensation from three parties. The targets are Australian-born singer Danielle, an unnamed member of her family, and the band's former producer, Min Hee-jin. The label alleges all three bear "significant responsibility" for the dispute that led to NewJeans' attempted departure and delayed return.
This lawsuit follows a Seoul district court ruling months earlier that the five members of NewJeans must honour their contracts with Ador, which are binding until 2029. The label stated it terminated Danielle's contract because it was "determined that it would be difficult for her to continue as … an artist under Ador."
A Year of Public Acrimony and Allegations
The conflict erupted into public view in late 2024 when NewJeans announced their intention to leave Ador. This prompted the company to secure a court injunction in March 2025, barring the group from commercial activities. The members had issued an ultimatum demanding the reinstatement of producer Min Hee-jin, who they alleged was forced out by Hybe.
In emotional testimony, member Hanni Pham claimed the band endured mistreatment, including "deliberate miscommunications and manipulation." Danielle separately alleged that during her trainee days, she was under constant surveillance and needed management approval for all meals. Ador claimed the members had been fed "persistently distorted and biased information," leading to misunderstandings.
Industry-Wide Implications and an Uncertain Future
The spat has ignited crucial conversations about the rights of K-pop idols, who are often legally denied standard worker protections. South Korea's employment ministry even dismissed a workplace bullying complaint from Hanni Pham, stating the members were not employees but "exceptional entities."
For now, the band's future remains fragmented. Ador states that three of the four remaining members have decided to stay, while Minji is still in negotiations. However, the schism has devastated fans, who have rallied online with the slogan: "NewJeans is five or nothing." The group, which debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of Hybe's most successful acts, now faces an uncertain path forward amidst this costly legal war.
