Former NewJeans member Danielle spoke publicly for the first time after being sued by ADOR for liquidated damages and compensation. He refrained from giving detailed comments about the lawsuit and repeatedly conveyed the meaning of "not the end but the beginning."
On the 12th, Danielle's legal representative, the law firm Hwawoo, said Danielle would hold a live broadcast at 7 p.m. that day on her personal social media channel to meet fans directly. The live broadcast was described as a chance for Danielle to personally convey heartfelt greetings to fans who have supported her for a long time, saying "through this event Danielle will express deep gratitude to domestic and international fans who have sent unwavering support and love, and plans to share updates directly with fans and ask after their well-being."
In particular, this was the first time Danielle appeared in public after receiving notice of exclusive contract termination from ADOR and being sued for liquidated damages and compensation. With attention on whether she would state her position on the lawsuit, Danielle's side dismissed such expectations, saying, "This live broadcast is purely for communication with fans and is not related to the lawsuit."
When Danielle started the live broadcast at the scheduled time, she greeted viewers with "Hello, Bunnies" and at the same time became emotional, her eyes reddening. She cried as she said, "Saying you waited is not enough. Bunnies were right there. Sometimes I read the letters and messages you sent. That warmth really stays for a long time," adding, "I have learned a lot and had to protect many things over the past time. My feelings toward my family and my view of the world have changed. When I think of Bunnies, the first thing that always comes to mind is your gaze. The moments we faced each other on stage, the feeling that even when the music stopped the heart continued — those memories quietly sustain me now."
She also indirectly referred to the period last year when she was involved in a dispute over an exclusive contract with ADOR. Danielle confessed, "I didn't talk much about those days. I traveled, listened, and learned to stay still. Under unfamiliar skies I met myself again and left stories for Bunnies in my heart. I haven't delivered them yet, but I hope one day you will read the letters I write."
She continued, "There is one thing I must convey. Many situations are still in the process of being resolved. When the time comes I will tell you what is happening with the lawsuit and everything you are curious about. And I can say this clearly: I fought to the end to be with the members, and that truth remains with me."
Danielle said, "NewJeans is always in a corner of my heart. Even if we are in slightly different places, with the same heart we become one Bunnies. Without regret," adding, "Bunnies, this is not the end. This is the beginning. In the days ahead, whether through music, silence, or small moments, I want to share truthfully and beautifully. I want to slowly return to you, in the way I know, the heart you gave me. I hope your days ahead are gentle, healthy and filled with light."
Also expressing sincere thanks to fans with "thank you, always," Danielle concluded the roughly nine-minute live broadcast, reiterating, "this is only the beginning."
Danielle and the NewJeans members had been embroiled since 2024 in a dispute with their agency ADOR over whether their exclusive contracts were valid. The NewJeans members unilaterally notified ADOR of contract termination, citing obligations not being fulfilled and raising issues such as the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin. After legal battles, the court sided with ADOR in the first-instance ruling, finding the exclusive contracts valid, but the members immediately expressed their intent to appeal.
Then in November last year it was reported that members Haerin and Haein were returning to ADOR. Haerin and Haein said they would respect the court's ruling and comply with their exclusive contracts, and after discussions decided to continue activities with ADOR. Because the other members did not appeal the exclusive contract lawsuit, the case was finalized at the first-instance level and ended with ADOR's victory.
In this process, Minji, Hanni and Danielle also notified ADOR of their intention to return, and in December last year ADOR said, "After sincere conversations, Hanni decided to respect the court's ruling and remain with ADOR. Minji is also in talks with ADOR, and discussions are continuing to broaden mutual understanding."
However, ADOR said that Danielle had notified them that "she judged it difficult to remain as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist and informed us of the termination of her exclusive contract." ADOR explained the reason, saying, "There were breaches of the exclusive contract such as entering into agreements that conflicted with the contract, engaging in independent entertainment activities, or acts that harmed the reputation or credit of the company and NewJeans. We requested corrective action, but because it was not made within the deadline, we notified termination."
Moreover, ADOR said it would hold legally responsible one family member of Danielle it judged to bear significant responsibility for causing the dispute and for the NewJeans members' departure and delayed return, as well as former CEO Min Hee-jin. ADOR said, "Today we plan to file a complaint seeking liquidated damages and compensation against Danielle," and afterward filed a damage suit seeking about 43.1 billion won against Danielle, one of Danielle's family members and former CEO Min Hee-jin. Danielle immediately appointed legal counsel and submitted a power of attorney to the court to confront the suit directly. With Danielle repeatedly telling fans "not the end but the beginning," attention is focused on her future actions.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Danielle SNS
[OSEN]