ADOR has notified NewJeans member Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract and announced plans to pursue penalty and damages claims, drawing attention to the potential financial implications.

On the 29th, ADOR released an official statement saying it had determined it would be difficult to continue working with Danielle as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist, and therefore issued a notice of contract termination. The agency added that it plans to seek legal responsibility from one member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee Jin, citing their significant role in causing the dispute and delaying NewJeans’ activities and return.

An ADOR official explained that Danielle had allegedly entered into contracts conflicting with her exclusive agreement or engaged in independent entertainment activities. Despite requests for correction, no remedial action was taken within the given timeframe, leading to the termination notice. While the exact amount of penalties and damages has not been disclosed, the agency stated it would follow a predetermined calculation formula.

Speculation has emerged that the penalty and damages could reach as high as 108 billion won (approximately USD 80 million). Last month, attorney Ahn Hee Chul of law firm DLG estimated that a single NewJeans member could face penalties of up to 108 billion won, based on ADOR’s average monthly revenue and the remaining contract period. However, he noted that courts may reduce the amount if deemed excessively unfair.

Previously, all five NewJeans members expressed their intention to continue group activities under ADOR. However, with only four members renewing their contracts excluding Danielle, attention is now focused on whether the group will move forward as a four-member act.