The ongoing internal conflict within ADOR has reached a dramatic and high-stakes turning point.
On December 31, 2025, Danielle of NewJeans took immediate and decisive action by appointing a specialized legal representative and submitting a power of attorney to the court.
This rapid response follows a massive damages lawsuit filed by ADOR—the agency under HYBE—seeking approximately ₩43.1 billion KRW (roughly $30.0 million USD) in damages.
The legal battle signifies a complete breakdown in the relationship between Danielle and the agency, marking a historic and tense moment for the K-pop industry as it transitions into 2026.
The Foundation of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit filed by ADOR targets three primary parties: Danielle, her family, and the former CEO of ADOR, Min Hee Jin.
The core of the legal dispute lies in the events following a December 2025 court ruling that reaffirmed the validity of the exclusive contracts of all NewJeans members with ADOR.
Following that ruling:
- Contract Termination: ADOR officially announced the termination of Danielle’s exclusive contract, stating that it was “no longer possible” to continue working with her. This made Danielle the only member to be formally separated from the group’s roster at that time.
Danielle (Credit: YouTube)
- Return of Other Members: While the agency confirmed that Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni had returned to active status within the company, and discussions with Minji were reportedly ongoing, Danielle was singled out for termination and subsequent legal pursuit.
- Alleged Damages: The staggering ₩43.1 billion KRW claim is believed to represent the projected losses in revenue, brand value, and contractual penalties resulting from the internal turmoil and the breach of trust alleged by the agency.
Danielle’s Swift Counter-Offensive
Danielle’s decision to appoint legal counsel within 24 hours of the lawsuit’s announcement signals her readiness for a prolonged courtroom battle.
By submitting the power of attorney on the final day of 2025, she has effectively neutralized ADOR’s attempt to pressure her into a settlement before the new year.
Legal experts have noted that the case has been assigned to the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court.
This is highly significant because the same division is already overseeing the civil dispute between Min Hee Jin and HYBE regarding ADOR shares and a put option agreement.
This suggests that the court views the lawsuit against Danielle as intrinsically linked to the broader power struggle for control of the agency.
Public and Industry Reaction
The news has sent shockwaves through the global fandom. On social media, fans have expressed a mixture of heartbreak and fierce support for Danielle.
A viral post showing “NewJeans without Danielle” (a modified image or lineup) rapidly gained attention, with many fans (Bunnies) stating that the group is not complete without all five members.
Furthermore, legal analysts cited by Koreaboo suggest that ADOR may face a difficult uphill battle.
Some experts estimate that the agency has a “less than 5% chance” of winning the full ₩43.1 billion KRW amount, as proving such extensive individual liability for a teenager in a corporate dispute is notoriously difficult under South Korean law.
There is also significant public scrutiny on HYBE and ADOR for pursuing a legal claim of this magnitude against a young artist.
What’s Next for Danielle and NewJeans?
As 2026 begins, the future of Danielle’s career remains uncertain but fiercely defended. Her legal team is expected to argue that the contract termination was handled unfairly and that the damages being sought are “exorbitant and punitive.”
Meanwhile, the status of the other members remains a point of intense interest:
- Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein: Currently active under ADOR management.
- Minji: In ongoing negotiations to determine her path forward.
- Danielle: Officially a “free agent” in terms of contract, but legally entangled in the multi-million dollar suit.
This case is poised to become a landmark in the K-pop industry, potentially redefining the rights of idols versus the power of major corporations.
As Danielle stands her ground with professional legal backing, the industry watches closely to see if this will end in a settlement or a verdict that changes the landscape of entertainment law forever.
For now, Danielle has made her message clear: she will not be silenced or intimidated by the weight of a $30 million lawsuit.
The new year has officially kicked off with a burst of creativity from Starship Entertainment. On January 1, 2026 (KST), the agency sent fans into a frenzy by confirming that KiiiKiii will be making their highly anticipated return with a new album at the end of this month.
To mark the beginning of their comeback promotions, the group has overhauled their official digital presence and released a stunning set of teaser photos that hint at a fantastical and immersive new era.
The announcement has already generated significant buzz, positioning KiiiKiii as one of the first major groups to watch in 2026.
The “Delulu World” Concept
Earlier this week, KiiiKiii’s official website underwent a major transformation, adopting a theme titled ‘Delulu World’.
This concept seems to lean into the playful, imaginative, and slightly surreal relationship between idols and their fans.
KiiiKiii (Credit: YouTube)
- Interactive Website: The new layout features an intricate fairy tale castle as its centerpiece. Fans can engage with the site through five clickable elements, each of which transforms the entire page according to a different mood or aesthetic. This level of interactivity suggests that the upcoming album might be a multi-sensory experience, possibly featuring different sub-units or varied musical genres that reflect these five distinct “moods.”
- Teaser Photos: On December 31, 2025, the group released their first set of teaser images. These photos showcase a dreamlike winter vibe, blending soft, ethereal lighting with sharp, high-fashion styling. The contrast between the cozy winter setting and the avant-garde “Delulu” theme has left fans speculating about the sound of the title track—will it be a winter ballad or a high-energy experimental pop anthem?
A “Happy New KiiiKiii”
The agency’s promotional tagline for this comeback is “Happy New KiiiKiii,” a play on the New Year’s greeting that promises a fresh start for the group.
This comeback is particularly significant as it follows a successful 2025, where the group solidified their position in the fourth generation of K-pop with chart-topping hits and strong physical sales.
Netizens have responded to the “Delulu World” theme with a mix of humor and excitement.
Many fans have praised the group for embracing a term that is so prominent in internet fandom culture, viewing it as a self-aware and clever way to connect with the digital-native generation.
“The website update is so high-budget, Starship is clearly not playing around this year.”
Strategic January Release
By scheduling their comeback for the end of January, KiiiKiii is positioning themselves to dominate the post-holiday music landscape.
With many larger groups currently on break after the year-end award shows (like the SBS and KBS Drama Awards), KiiiKiii has a clear window to capture the public’s attention.
This timing also allows them to promote during the Lunar New Year period, a peak time for domestic television appearances and variety show participation.
What to Expect Next
As the “End of January” release date approaches, fans can expect a rapid-fire rollout of promotional content, including:
- Tracklist Reveal: Which will likely explain the significance of the five elements on the website.
- Concept Trailers: Further diving into the lore of “Delulu World.”
- Music Video Teasers: Showcasing the choreography and the visual scale of the production.
KiiiKiii’s return is more than just a musical comeback; it appears to be a full-scale world-building project.
With their creative website and “dreamlike” aesthetics, the group is inviting fans to step out of reality and into a world where imagination takes the lead.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Happy New KiiiKiii” as they prepare to take the K-pop world by storm this winter. 2026 is already shaping up to be a magical year for KiiiKiii and their growing global fanbase.
