Hanni returns, Danielle exits NewJeans agency

Dec 30, 2025, 08:56 am

There will be no full-member comeback for NewJeans, as member Hanni has decided to return to agency ADOR, while Danielle has officially parted ways with the label.

ADOR said on Dec. 29 that Hanni visited South Korea with her family and held lengthy discussions with the company. “After sincere conversations and reviewing past events objectively, Hanni decided to continue working with ADOR in respect of the court’s ruling,” the agency said.

In contrast, ADOR announced that it had notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract, concluding that continued cooperation was no longer possible. The agency added that it would seek legal responsibility from a member of Danielle’s family and from former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, claiming they bore significant responsibility for triggering the dispute and delaying the group’s return.

ADOR also stated that the members had been exposed to “distorted and biased information” for an extended period, deepening misunderstandings about the company and ultimately leading to the conflict. The agency said it would provide further clarification on related controversies at a later date.

The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR intensified in November last year, when the members argued that the agency had violated their contracts after refusing to reinstate Min Hee-jin, and announced plans for independent activities. ADOR countered that the contracts remained valid and filed a lawsuit to confirm their validity, along with an injunction to block independent promotions. The court ruled in ADOR’s favor in both cases.

Following the rulings, Haerin and Hyein were the first to return to the agency. While Hanni, Minji, and Danielle later expressed willingness to come back, ADOR said it was still verifying their intentions and proceeded cautiously.

Min Hee-jin previously criticized the agency’s handling of the situation on a YouTube channel, saying that even if some members had agreed to return earlier, announcements should have been made simultaneously to avoid confusing fans.

Ultimately, Hanni has rejoined ADOR, Danielle has exited the label, and Minji remains in talks. As a result, the five-member lineup that once defined NewJeans will no longer reunite in full.

#NewJeans #ADOR #Hanni #Daniel #Minji