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Chart-topping K-pop band NewJeans has been thrown into absolute chaos as their record label, Ador, launched a massive lawsuit against member Danielle Marsh amid a bitter, escalating feud.
Hybe, the powerhouse parent company of Ador, confirmed to the BBC that it is suing Danielle, a family member, and former CEO Min Hee-jin for a staggering $30m (£22m) in damages and penalties for alleged contract breaches.
The group now faces existential uncertainty as the status of Minji, another key member, remains in limbo, effectively reducing the once-celebrated quintet to just three confirmed active members.
Social media erupted with the slogan "NewJeans is five or nothing," with supporters expressing confusion over why Danielle was targeted specifically.
"Does this make any sense??? NewJeans without Danielle isn't NewJeans... Give us back Danielle," one user posted on X.
"It's not fair at all... All they wanted to do was be artists," another lamented on Instagram.
NewJeans, who skyrocketed to global fame in 2022 with their unique blend of 90s R&B and pop, were previously hailed as industry game-changers before the internal corporate war began.
The conflict exploded in 2024 following the controversial ousting of Min Hee-jin, the group's mentor, triggering a high-stakes clash between the young stars and the entertainment giant Hybe.
The members accused Ador of "mistreatment" and attempted to break their contracts, but a district court ruled in October they were legally bound to the label until 2029.
Despite initially indicating a return, Ador shocked the industry Monday by terminating Danielle's contract, claiming it was difficult to continue working with her due to "significant misunderstandings" caused by "distorted information."
The label noted that members Hanni, Hyein, and Haerin would remain, while "ongoing conversations" continue with Minji, leaving the group's future configuration fractured and deeply uncertain.
"NewJeans is a very important group... It has been the hope to see their return as a full five-member team. That's no longer possible," music critic Lim Hee-yun told the BBC, noting the outcome satisfies no one.
Lim suggested Danielle might now face industry blacklisting, potentially forcing a pivot to modeling or acting, while Ador may struggle to recruit replacements for the shattered lineup in a market that values group chemistry above all else.
