ADOR Ends Danielle’s Contract — What Happens Next for the Former NewJeans Star?
Korean label ADOR terminated Danielle Marsh's contract with NewJeans after a lengthy legal battle, which began in December 2024 and concluded in December 2025.
The 20-year-old Korean-Australian singer did a now-deleted YouTube livestream called “Dear Bunnies.” Marsh addressed the nine-minute video to NewJeans fans concerned about the idol's future.
Marsh started the stream by greeting viewers in English and Korean. She referred to her fans as Bunnies, the name given to NewJeans fans. The singer covered her face when she became overwhelmed with emotion.
She spoke to the camera in Korean, saying, “Oh, I’m tearing up already…” according to one fan-made translation.
The “Super Shy” singer went on to give a tearful smile and expressed that a simple “Thank you” wasn’t enough to repay the fans who stood by her.
Marsh then reminisced in Korean. “When I think of Bunnies, the first thing that comes to mind… is the look in your eyes. The moments we faced each other on stage. Our very first stage. The silence right before the music starts. Even when the music stopped, that feeling that our hearts were still connected. Those memories… are quietly holding me up.”
The livestream continued with Marsh recounting everything she learned during the yearlong lawsuit. New Jeans were industry darlings before the lawsuit, dominating award season with tracks like “Ditto” and “OMG,” earning multiple platinum records and global recognition for the Billboard Women in Music "Group of the Year" award in 2024.
“I traveled, I listened, I learned to stay still.” She switched to English. “When the time comes, I’ll update you about what’s happening, about the lawsuit, and about all the things you are… I guess, curious about.”
Her expression grew more solemn and her gaze more wistful as she offered fans reassurances.
“I fought to the very end to be together with the members, and that truth stays with me,” she said in English.
At the end of the livestream, Marsh smiled sadly. She completed the livestream by wishing the Bunnies good health and happiness.
“Thank you,” she thanked the fans in Korean. “Always,” she finished in English. “This is only the beginning,” she said before waving goodbye and turning off the camera.
Why did NewJeans attempt to leave ADOR?
The South Korean girl group debuted in 2022 with five members: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, under the HYBE Entertainment subsidiary, ADOR. The group was developed under the creative supervision of Min Hee-Jin, the former CEO of ADOR. The idol stood among other successful HYBE artists like BTS and LE SSERAFIM.
News of Marsh’s contract termination broke on December 29, 2025, after NewJeans lost their lawsuit against their label. The legal battle started in early 2024 amid the public feud between HYBE and Min Hee-Jin. The members expressed their support for Min Hee-Jin by attempting to leave ADOR.
NewJeans fought to break free from their exclusive contracts, which extend to 2029. The ladies sighted mistreatment, career sabotage, and mistrust following the dismissal of Min Hee-Jin. The idols claimed that the former CEO’s termination damaged trust and negatively impacted their ability to fulfill work obligations.
NewJeans attempted to rebrand as NJZ and release new music independently in late 2024/early 2025. ADOR filed a lawsuit and injunction in retaliation to confirm the validity of their artist’s standing contracts. The court issued an injunction in favor of the label, which stopped NewJeans from engaging in independent activities.
What was the aftermath of the NewJeans vs. ADOR lawsuit?
In October of 2025, the case ended with the court ruling in ADOR’s favor, rejecting NewJeans’ claim that the dismissal of Min Hee-Jin was a valid reason to break their contracts, as they did not stipulate the former CEO’s involvement as a legal requirement.
Following the December ruling, the members returned to ADOR to negotiate their future. Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni decided to return to the company. Minji continued discussions with the company. Neither Minji nor ADOR has confirmed the fate of the South Korean singer. Danielle is the only member who publicly ended their relationship with the label. ADOR explained their position in a statement.
“In Danielle’s case, we determined that it would be difficult to continue together as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist, and today we notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract. In addition, we plan to pursue legal accountability for one member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee Jin.”
Why is ADOR suing Marsh?
ADOR intends to recoup damages and penalties from Marsh and an unknown family member. The company filed a $30 million lawsuit against the singer. The lawsuit cites breach of contract and a breakdown of trust stemming from Marsh and her family’s public endorsement of Min Hee-Jin. Marsh signed third-party entertainment contracts and participated in independent work without the company’s consent.
The idol also attempted to terminate the exclusive contract between her and ADOR without sufficient evidence. These actions allegedly damaged NewJeans’ image, disrupted schedules, and resulted in financial losses for ADOR. The company seeks to collect penalties written out in the standing contract.
What’s next for Marsh?
Marsh’s path is unclear, but speculation persists that the former NewJeans member plans to pursue more activities in the entertainment industry. Rumors of her negotiations with the Black Label, a South Korean entertainment company affiliated with YG Entertainment, sprang up earlier in January. Their connection flew under the radar, but fans began to ponder their involvement after Marsh allegedly opened a personal Instagram account called @dazzibelle.
Speculation of Marsh’s potential comeback was fueled when Danny Chung began following her. Chung, known as the voice of Baby Saja in KPop Demon Hunters, is a creative director and composer at the Black Label. Shortly after, fans realized Marquise Aura, a former contestant of The Debut: Dream Academy, was following her on Instagram. Aura has been associated with the Black Label, which fueled rumors that Marsh and Aura were potential collaborators.
The account was started in September of 2025, but the first post wasn’t made until January 15, 2026. Fans discovered the Instagram account in mid-January, which featured a singular picture of a butterfly. As of January 23, @dazzibelle has already amassed 1.1 million followers. The only account being followed is @livvy_marsh, which belongs to Olivia Marsh, the sister of Marsh. Big names like Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and former creative director of Kiss of Life, Lee Hae In, follow Marsh’s purported account.
This article was edited on January 24th, 2026, at 9:16 PM.
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