The group NewJeans is drawing attention as questions arise about a possible reorganization into a four-member formation and its future course. With member Danielle terminating her exclusive contract with ADOR, the previously expected return as a five-member complete group has effectively fallen through.
ADOR said in an official statement on the 29th that "in Danielle's case, we judged that it would be difficult for her to continue as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist together, and notified her of the termination of the exclusive contract." As a result, only Min-ji, Hanni, Haerin and Hye-in remain in an active exclusive contract relationship with ADOR.
Earlier, NewJeans announced the termination of their exclusive contract in November of last year and signaled an independent course, and afterward attempted activities under a new team name, 'NJZ.' However, the court ruled that activities without ADOR's approval were not allowed, putting a halt to the attempt, and ADOR won the suit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, with the court determining the contract relationship to be valid.
After the ruling, the members' courses diverged. Haerin and Hye-in were the first to decide to return to ADOR, and Hanni also confirmed her return after lengthy recent discussions with ADOR. Min-ji is still continuing talks and is in discussion with ADOR. Meanwhile, Danielle ultimately left the team, bringing the conflict to an end.
Accordingly, there is cautious talk that NewJeans may continue activities in a four-member formation. However, ADOR has been reserved about specific activity plans or team management methods, saying, "We will decide the future direction after sufficient discussions with the members."
With Danielle's departure making changes to the group's identity and brand inevitable, the industry is watching whether NewJeans will reorganize as a four-member unit or seek new forms of activity. At the same time, the fallout from this incident is expected to leave a significant mark on exclusive contract disputes in the K-pop industry.
[Photo] OSEN DB, ADOR
[OSEN]