In a dramatic escalation of one of the biggest disputes in recent K-pop history, Danielle Marsh, a former member of blockbuster girl group NewJeans, is being sued for around US $30 million (43.1 billion won) by her former record label ADOR following a prolonged and deeply acrimonious feud that has shaken fans, industry insiders and legal experts alike. The lawsuit — lodged just after her contract was terminated — expands a bitter battle between the group and its management into the courts and highlights tension over artist rights, corporate control and the pressures of the modern idol system.
The Lawsuit: What ADOR Is Seeking
South Korean news agencies report that **ADOR — the label behind NewJeans and a subsidiary of powerhouse HYBE — has filed a civil lawsuit seeking approximately ₩43.1 billion (about US $29.8 million) in damages against Danielle Marsh, a family member and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The claims centre on allegations that the defendants bear significant responsibility for a dispute that disrupted the group’s activities and delayed their return to the agency under contract.
In announcing the lawsuit, ADOR also confirmed that Danielle’s exclusive contract had been terminated, reasoning that it was no longer feasible for her to continue as an artist under the label. The lawsuit seeks compensation for what the company calls the financial and reputational harm caused by the breakdown in relations over the last year.
Background: A Feud Years in the Making
The legal action is the latest chapter in a conflict that began in 2024 when NewJeans attempted to sever ties with ADOR, alleging mistreatment, deliberate miscommunication and manipulation by management. The dispute intensified following the controversial departure of Min Hee-jin — the group’s long-time mentor and former head of ADOR — which NewJeans publicly opposed.
In response, ADOR sought a court injunction to block the group from pursuing independent activities. In March 2025, the Seoul Central District Court granted this injunction, barring NewJeans from outside commercial work without label consent while the legal process played out. In October, the same court upheld ADOR’s position that the group members must honour their contracts — which run until 2029 — rejecting NewJeans’ claims that trust had irreparably broken down.
Danielle’s departure late in 2025 came amid negotiations over the terms of the group’s return to ADOR, leaving the group’s future uncertain and amplifying tensions between fans and the industry establishment.
ADOR’s Case: Allegations and Responsibilities
According to ADOR statements, the lawsuit does not solely focus on Danielle; it also names a member of her family and Min Hee-jin, claiming they “played a major role” in driving the dispute that hindered NewJeans’ scheduled comeback and destabilised the group-label relationship. ADOR alleges that distorted or biased information contributed to misunderstandings.
The label’s filings reference financial detriment — including delayed productions and promotional campaigns — arguing that these losses justify substantial compensation. The exact legal arguments are being processed in the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division, though no hearing date has been publicly disclosed.
Fan Outrage and Industry Reaction
The news of the lawsuit and Danielle’s exit triggered a strong reaction across fan communities worldwide, with many taking to social media under slogans such as “NewJeans is five or nothing” to protest the member’s removal and label actions. Supporters have argued that group chemistry is intrinsic to NewJeans’ identity and commercial success.
Music industry commentators have noted that the dispute touches on broader issues within K-pop — particularly the control exerted by agencies over artists, long-term contract enforcement and the pressures faced by young performers in high-stakes commercial environments. Some observers see the case as a flashpoint for wider discussions about artist rights and corporate governance within the global entertainment industry.
Impact on NewJeans’ Future
With Danielle’s contract terminated and the band’s contract entanglements still subject to legal and managerial resolution, NewJeans’ future as a complete unit remains unclear. As of late 2025, only some members had confirmed plans to continue with ADOR, while others remained in ongoing discussions. The group — which debuted in 2022 and rapidly rose to international prominence — is now navigating uncharted territory for K-pop acts at this level.
