The Turmoil Behind NewJeans: A Member's Departure Amid Controversy

Tue Dec 30 2025 11:37:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

K-pop sensation NewJeans faces turbulent times as member Danielle Marsh is let go following a contractual dispute with their label Ador, raising questions about the group's future dynamics.

NewJeans, the chart-topping K-pop band, is experiencing a significant shift as member Danielle Marsh's contract with their label Ador has been terminated amidst a bitter feud over allegations of workplace harassment. This contentious relationship with Ador has resulted in a drawn-out legal battle, ultimately binding the group to the label until 2029. As pressures escalate among the band members, critical discussions regarding their collective future take center stage, leaving fans eagerly seeking clarity.

The beloved K-pop group NewJeans finds itself at a crisis point as they bid farewell to member Danielle Marsh. This departure occurs amid a turbulent year-long dispute with their label, Ador, revealing deeper conflicts within the K-pop industry.

In 2024, NewJeans announced their intention to leave Ador, citing workplace harassment—a claim vehemently denied by the label. This led to a protracted legal conflict, culminating in a court's ruling this October, mandating that the group remain with their label until 2029. Though they had agreed to return to Ador just a month ago, recent developments have unraveled that decision.

On Monday, Ador confirmed the termination of Marsh's contract, leaving fans in dismay and leading many to express their frustrations online with the hashtag 'NewJeans is five or nothing.' The discontent among fans and supporters stems from the belief that the quintet's identity is intrinsically linked to each member.

Within the fan community, reactions have varied; one fan lamented, NewJeans without Danielle isn't NewJeans, while another criticized the unfair treatment of Marsh, urging for a unified return of all five members. As of now, Marsh has not spoken publicly about the situation.

Ador's recent announcement also indicated its intent to take legal action against former CEO Min Hee-jin and a relative of Marsh, claiming that these individuals hold responsibility for the tensions that have emerged. Furthermore, the statement suggested that the remaining NewJeans members had been exposed to distorted and biased information, which created misunderstandings regarding the label's narratives.

In an unexpected twist, it was revealed that Hanni decided to stay with Ador after extensive consultations with her family, while Minji's status remains under discussion. Initial announcements from Ador hinted that only Hyein and Haerin would return to the agency, amplifying fears about the group's cohesion.

Critics are concerned that these developments not only jeopardize the group’s integrity but also indicate that Marsh's future as a performer is now uncertain. Music consultant Lim Hee-yun emphasized the precarious position of K-pop groups when losing members, suggesting the group might need to recruit new talent to sustain its brand.

NewJeans, which debuted in July 2022 and became a sensation in the K-pop realm, now faces profound challenges as they navigate these internal conflicts. With a history marked by groundbreaking music and significant commercial success, their latest struggles highlight the fragile dynamics often at play within the K-pop industry.