NewJeans Contract Termination and Lineup Controversy
Ador has terminated the contract with Danielle Marsh, ending any plan for a full five-member NewJeans lineup.
The dispute began in 2024 when NewJeans left Ador amid alleged workplace harassment, which Ador denied. In October, a district court ruled that the group must stay with Ador through 2029.
A month after that ruling, the group announced all five members would return; however, on Monday Ador announced Marsh's contract termination, collapsing that plan.
Ador stated it would sue former CEO Min Hee-jin and a Marsh family member, claiming they bear significant responsibility for the fallout and that members were exposed to distorted information.
The label indicated Hanni would remain after extended conversations, Minji was in ongoing talks to return, and Hyein and Haerin had been previously announced to return.
Fan reaction on social media included the slogan "NewJeans is five or nothing," questioning why Marsh was singled out.
NewJeans debuted in July 2022 and were the eighth biggest-selling act worldwide in 2024. The controversy followed the dismissal of Ador's former CEO Min Hee-jin, with critics doubting the likelihood of a full five-member comeback.
Industry analyst Lim Hee-yun warned that three-member groups struggle to succeed in K-pop; Marsh's future may involve solo work or other entertainment avenues.
