K-pop's Tough Fight: NewJeans and the Big Legal Battle

The world of K-pop is no stranger to drama, but the latest feud between NewJeans and their record label, Ador, has taken a serious turn. It all started with a dispute that lasted over a year, ending with a legal battle that could cost millions. Ador is now suing Danielle Marsh, a 20-year-old singer from NewJeans, for a huge amount of money. The label claims she and others are responsible for the group's decision to leave, which caused delays and other issues. The total amount they're asking for is nearly 43. 1 billion won, which is a lot of money. This isn't the first time NewJeans has made headlines. In November 2024, they announced they wanted to leave Ador. The label responded by asking a court to stop them from doing any work, and the court agreed in March. Now, Ador has decided to end Danielle's contract, saying it wouldn't work out for her to stay with them. The label also claims that the members of NewJeans were given wrong information, which led to big misunderstandings. They say three of the remaining members want to stay with Ador, but one is still talking things over.NewJeans became popular in 2022 and has been one of Ador's most successful acts. Fans have been supportive, using the slogan “NewJeans is five or nothing” to show their solidarity. The dispute started after allegations that Hybe, Ador's parent company, forced out Min, the band’s producer, from her role as Ador’s CEO. The members of NewJeans then made demands, which Hybe rejected. The group went public with their complaints, saying the company had hurt their careers. Hanni Pham, a member of the band, even spoke before South Korea’s parliament, talking about mistreatment and the need for respect in the workplace. Danielle also shared her experiences as a trainee, saying she was constantly watched and had to get approval for her meals. The label hasn't responded to these claims. In October, a court rejected NewJeans’s claims that the allegations had caused a breakdown of trust with Ador. This dispute has sparked discussions about the rights of K-pop stars, who are often not considered legal employees. In a statement to Time magazine, the band said it felt like Korea wanted to turn them into revolutionaries. In November, Ador announced that only two members would be returning, causing panic among fans. But Hanni, Danielle, and Minji released a statement saying they would also return, though it's clear now that not all will stay.