In a stunning turn of events, the K-pop landscape is once again shaken by controversy as Ador, the record label behind the popular band NewJeans, has filed a lawsuit against former member Danielle Marsh, seeking damages amounting to millions. This legal action comes just a day after the label severed ties with Danielle following a protracted conflict that involved claims of mistreatment by the band and their attempts to exit their contractual obligations.
Danielle, a 20-year-old singer from Australia, now finds herself at the center of a legal storm, with Ador pursuing almost 43.1 billion won (approximately $30 million) in compensation. This lawsuit follows a recent ruling by a district court in Seoul which mandated that all five members of NewJeans adhere to their contracts with Ador, set to last until 2029. Notably, the lawsuit also targets an unnamed family member of Danielle and Min Hee-jin, the group's former producer, alleging that they played significant roles in instigating the discord that led to the band's departure and subsequent delay in their return.
The company made headlines when NewJeans announced their intention to part ways with Ador in November 2024. In response, the label sought an injunction to prevent the group from engaging in any commercial activities, a request that was granted earlier this year. According to Ador, Danielle's contract was terminated because it was determined that her continued association with the label would not be feasible.
Ador has accused the members of NewJeans of being subjected to a barrage of distorted and biased information, leading to substantial misunderstandings about their situation. The Guardian has reached out to Danielle for her perspective on these allegations.
Currently, three out of the four remaining members of NewJeans have opted to remain with Ador, while Minji is still in discussions with the label regarding her future. NewJeans, which burst onto the music scene in 2022, has quickly become one of Hybe’s most successful acts. Following the announcement of the lawsuit against Danielle, fans rallied online under the slogan "NewJeans is five or nothing," highlighting their solidarity with the full group.
The dispute's origins can be traced back to allegations that Hybe had forced Min Hee-jin out of her role as CEO of Ador, a move that sparked unrest within the group. In response, the members issued an ultimatum demanding her reinstatement, which was ultimately denied by Hybe. The band subsequently aired their grievances publicly, claiming that the company had deliberately undermined their careers.
Hanni Pham, a fellow member from Vietnam, spoke out about the alleged mistreatment, detailing experiences of "deliberate miscommunications and manipulation" during their time with the label. In a poignant testimony before South Korea's parliament, she expressed her desire for mutual respect in the workplace, stating, "I know it’s not going to solve all the problems in the world, but if we just respect each other, at least there will be no problems with bullying and harassment in the workplace."
Danielle has also shared troubling accounts from her trainee days, alleging constant surveillance and approval requirements for her meals, claims that neither Ador nor Hybe have officially addressed.
In a notable legal setback, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed NewJeans’s assertion that the allegations had caused an "irreparable breakdown of trust" with Ador. Additionally, the South Korean Ministry of Employment rejected a workplace bullying complaint filed by Pham against Ador, clarifying that the members were not considered legal employees of the label, but rather "exceptional entities."
This unfolding saga has ignited significant concern within the K-pop industry, sparking critical conversations about the rights of artists in the K-pop realm—a status many argue has been legally overlooked. In a joint statement to Time magazine, the group remarked, "It almost feels like Korea wants to turn us into revolutionaries," hinting at the broader implications of their struggle.
Following Ador's announcement in November that only two members, Hyein and Haerin, would be returning to the agency, fans expressed fears of a potential breakup. However, in a surprising twist, Hanni, Danielle, and Minji later reassured fans through a separate statement that they would also be coming back—though it is now evident that their reunification might not last long.
