NewJeans Member Danielle Marsh Sued for Millions Amid Conflict with K-pop Label Ador
Ador has filed a lawsuit against Danielle Marsh, a 20-year-old Australian-born member of the K-pop group NewJeans, seeking nearly 43.1 billion won (approximately US$30 million) in damages. The lawsuit also names an unnamed family member and Min Hee-jin in the legal action.
Danielle Marsh's contract with Ador was terminated due to the label stating it would be difficult for her to continue as an artist under their management. NewJeans left Ador in November 2024, and in March 2025, Ador obtained an injunction barring the group from commercial activities. The original contract between NewJeans and Ador was set to run until 2029. Although Danielle left, three of the four remaining group members reportedly stayed with the label, with member Minji reportedly in ongoing talks.
Ador alleges that the NewJeans members were exposed to distorted and biased information, which resulted in misunderstandings between the parties. During a session at South Korea's parliament, Hanni Pham of NewJeans testified about alleged mistreatment. However, the employment ministry later dismissed a bullying complaint, stating the members are not legally employees but exceptional entities under the law.
Danielle has claimed that trainee boot camps involved extensive surveillance and required management approval for meals. Both Ador and its parent company Hybe have not responded to these allegations.
Since debuting in 2022, NewJeans has been among Hybe's most successful acts. The ongoing legal dispute and controversy over management practices have sparked wider debate about the rights and treatment of workers in the K-pop industry.
