Watch: ‘Trusting time’ – NewJeans discusses court ruling in record label dispute
Chart-topping K-pop band NewJeans is losing one of its members in what is yet another twist in the group’s bitter year-long feud with its record label.
Ador announced on Monday that they had “terminated” their contract with 20-year-old Danielle Marsh and the return of Minji remains uncertain, leaving the band with three members.
On Tuesday, local media reported that Ador is suing Danielle, her family member, and ex-boss Min Hee-jin for $32m in damages. None of them have spoken publicly yet. The BBC has reached out to Hybe, Ador’s parent company, for comment.
Coming less than two months after reports that NewJeans would return to the label as a band of five, this news dashes fans’ hopes of a comeback.
Many took to social media with the slogan: “NewJeans is five or nothing, while others questioned why Danielle was singled out.
“Does this make any sense??? NewJeans without Danielle isn’t NewJeans. Do you think you can just erase a member this easily? Give us back Danielle,” one wrote in an X post.
“It’s not fair at all. Free NewJeans [all 5 members],” another wrote on Instagram. “All they wanted to do was to be [artists] and make their fans happy.”
NewJeans, which became the eighth biggest-selling act in the world a year after their debut in 2022, were seen as a game-changer by critics for their blend of 1990s R&B and sugar-coated pop melodies.
Then came a dramatic fallout with Ador in 2024, sparked by the controversial dismissal of the agency’s former CEO Min Hee-jin, whom NewJeans regarded as a mentor.
The move shook the K-pop world, setting off a battle between hugely successful and very young stars – they are between 17 and 21 years of age – and a South Korean entertainment giant, Hybe, which owns Ador.
NewJeans accused Ador of “mistreatment” and “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation”, then announced they would leave the agency. Ador in turn launched a lawsuit blocking their departure, which it won in October this year. A district court ruled that NewJeans must honour their contract with the label which runs until 2029.
A month later, local media reports indicated that all five members would return to the agency.
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NewJeans have delivered remarkable success since they debuted in July 2022
Then in a surprising turn, Ador issued a statement on Monday, saying it would take legal action against a family member of Danielle’s and Min, who founded the label and created NewJeans before her dramatic departure.
Both of them, Ador claims, “bear significant responsibility” for the fallout between the agency and the K-pop group.
Monday’s statement did not mention a lawsuit against Danielle, saying only that Ador had decided it was difficult to continue working with her, and told her they would be ending the contract.
Ador also claimed that NewJeans’ members had been “exposed to persistently distorted and biased information” which led to “significant misunderstandings” about the label.
That statement named two other NewJeans members: Hanni, who it said decided to remain with the label after “extended conversations” which included her family, and Minji, who is still in “ongoing conversations” with the agency.
It’s been a whirlwind for fans, especially since Ador initially announced in November that only two members, Hyein and Haerin, would return to the agency, sparking fears the group would split up.
These fears were allayed when Hanni, Danielle and Minji said in a separate statement hours later that they too would return – but only for a short time, as it turns out.
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Ador announced on Monday would terminate its contract with NewJeans member Danielle Marsh
“NewJeans is a very important group that changed the world of female K-pop acts. For the music listeners and fans, 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, adding that this outcome would not “make anyone happy”.
Mr Lim believes Ador would be pressured to recruit new members into the group, especially if Minji also leaves the label.
It is hard for three-member groups to find success in the K-pop industry, where fans pay close attention to the relationships and chemistry between members.
Danielle’s future as a musician is also uncertain.
“Not only will there be a large part of the public that see her negatively [because of this controversy], but the record labels will too… She might need to pursue being a solo act as an actor, model, or an influencer,” Mr Lim said.
Additional reporting by Leehyun Choi and Hosu Lee in Seoul
Rep. Park Chung-kwon of the People Power Party and leaders of North Korean defector groups hold a news conference at the National Assembly Communication Center in Seoul on Dec. 29 to oppose changing the official term “North Korean defectors” to “Bukhyangmin.” Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Dec. 29 (Asia Today) — North Korean defector groups on Monday urged South Korea’s Unification Ministry to halt its push to replace the official term for defectors, warning that one leading alternative could be misunderstood as meaning people who “look toward” North Korea.
Five defector organizations, including the Committee for North Korean Democracy and the North Korea Strategy Center, held a news conference at the National Assembly and issued a joint statement calling for the government to stop reviewing the term change and to release the results of a public opinion survey conducted from late September to early October, organizers said.
The groups objected in particular to “Bukhyangmin,” a term the ministry has weighed as a possible replacement for “North Korean defectors.” They said the word could be confused with similar-sounding phrases that imply sympathy for North Korea, framing it as an attack on defector identity.
The dispute also intensified after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said during a Dec. 19 work report that “all” defectors strongly reject the current term, a claim critics said overgeneralized defector views. The ministry has said Chung asked roughly 60 residents at Hanawon, a government resettlement and education center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, during a private visit on Dec. 5 and that all those present supported a change.
At the news conference, Kang Cheol-hwan, head of the North Korea Strategy Center, questioned whether the new term would make defectors appear to be people who admire North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Other speakers argued the current term reflects “escape” from the North Korean system and symbolizes resistance to repression.
A broader umbrella group, the National Association of North Korean Defectors, also issued a separate statement demanding a public apology for what it called distorted remarks and urging the government to guarantee public deliberation if it changes terminology tied to defectors, organizers said.
The ministry has said it is reviewing whether to adjust legal terminology and social usage to reduce negative connotations and support settlement and social integration.
Previous surveys have shown mixed views among defectors. A Korea Institute for National Unification survey found about 59% of defector respondents said a change was needed, but preferences among alternatives were split, with “Hanamin,” “Tongilmin” and “Bukhyangmin” drawing similar levels of support, news reports said.
The Unification Ministry has not announced a final decision and has said it is internally reviewing whether to disclose results from its latest survey, according to local reports.
JESS GLYNNE has called it quits with Jay-Z’s management company Roc Nation.
The move is to wipe the slate clean for 2026.
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Brit singer Jess Glynne has called it quits with Jay-Z’s management company Roc NationCredit: Getty
It follows a career blow earlier this year when she split from record label EMI following the release of just one album with them.
I’ve now learned she is no longer being looked after by Roc Nation — who I first revealed she had signed to in 2022 — and her career is now being guided by former Bros bass player Craig Logan.
Jess has teamed up with Logan Media Entertainment, which is run by Craig, who was in the Eighties pop band that had hits inculding When Will I Be Famous?.
It means that she is now on a roster alongside Pink, Dido, Louise and Beverley Knight.
My music insider said: “Jess hasn’t had the easiest situation in music. She has found it hard to get a team behind her who she feels really gets who she is and what she is aiming for.
“Now she has Craig and his firm, there are fresh ideas coming through thick and fast. Big things are being discussed for the coming months.”
Despite a turbulent time behind the scenes in 2025, Jess has had one of her most successful years thanks to hit Hold My Hand — a decade after it was released.
The song was named TikTok’s UK song of the year, after it was supercharged by the viral Jet2holidays trend.
Jess said: “I always knew there was something special about it. Melodically it’s instantly uplifting and catchy, but at its heart, the lyrics are powerful. They are about connection. The Jet2 campaign has brought a really fun, light-hearted twist to the song, and seeing it become TikTok’s song of 2025 ten years after its release has been incredible.
“It breathed new life into it, and I’m so grateful to see a wave of a new audience now connect with it and learn more about the song, and me. I am incredibly grateful for the journey this song is on.”
During her career, Jess has scored seven UK No1 singles, although her last one was I’ll Be There in 2018.
But with a new team behind her, she will be giving it everything she’s got to add to that hits tally.
Fit Shaun tour vow
Shaun Ryder wants to get fit ahead of the next Happy Mondays tourCredit: Getty
SHAUN RYDER is preparing to spend the new year whipping himself into shape ahead of the next Happy Mondays tour.
The group will hit the road for 22 dates across March and April.
Shaun tells me in an exclusive chat: “I am determined to get fit for the tour.
“I still get on my bike, and I love swimming. There is a pool at my gym. I do that a few times a week. But my other hip is f***d, and I need it replaced. So I can’t walk like I used to. “I’ve already had one hip replacement. And that f***d up.
“I should have had the other one done ages ago, but I’ve not had time.”
Shaun also vowed to be on his best behaviour on tour, adding: “I think the last time I went out and did any raving was 2000.
“I went and saw Oasis three nights in a row and danced around like a lunatic but I am totally clean now.
“My only addictions are to tea and Haribos. However, I still have two teenage girls at home.
“This means that when I am at home, I am Shaun’s taxi service. It’s f***ing nuts.
“The missus wants me out of the house as quickly as possible. So, you know, it’s like, I have come back from Ireland, and I am going straight out on the road with Black Grape.
“But I have spent the last few days as a taxi driver for the girls.”
The joys of middle age, eh Shaun?
Khloe’s not to be mist
Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian shows off her shapely legs as she promotes her hair mistCredit: TNI Press
THIGH and mighty Khloe Kardashian flashes the flesh as she promotes her hair mist.
And it comes after she denied getting back together with basketball player Tristan Thompson after their split in 2021.
The Kardashians celebrated Christmas with a gingerbread house that was iced with the family members’ names, and fans noticed his was on there.
But she replied: “He’s my children’s father.”
Ashley’s melon boat
Ashley Roberts chews into a watermelon during a luxury getawayCredit: instagram/iamashleyrobertsThe Pussycat Dolls star has jetted off with her boyfriend, tattoo artist George RollinsonCredit: instagram/iamashleyroberts
ASHLEY ROBERTS enjoys a slice of the high life as she chomps on a watermelon during a luxury getaway.
The Pussycat Dolls singer wore a bikini top, shades and headscarf as she posed on a yacht in Mauritius.
She has jetted off with her boyfriend, tattoo artist George Rollinson, for a post-Christmas holiday and looks suitably loved up.
Coming back to dreary England in the new year is going to be quite a shock for her.
The singer wore a bikini top, shades and headscarf as she posed on a yacht in MauritiusCredit: instagram/iamashleyroberts
Special for Ricky
RICK ASTLEY has landed his own BBC special, joining Dermot O’Leary for one of his Reel Stories.
They will look back at key moments in his life and career, following in the footsteps of acts including Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue who have previously taken part.
Zoe: My Britpop snogs
Zoe Ball has locked lips with many famous namesCredit: Getty
ZOE BALL has revealed she locked lips with famous names while living life to the full in the hedonistic Nineties.
On her Dig It podcast, she played a game of Snog, Marry, Avoid, and joked: “I did snog and avoid quite a few Britpop stars, none of whom I shall mention now.”
Zoe added: “I would avoid Damon [Albarn] because I can’t talk to him because I go all stupid. Young me would definitely have wanted to snog Liam Gallagher way back in the day.
“He would talk to me and I’d be like, ‘Fair, fair’.
“I don’t think I’d have wanted to marry any of them because I don’t think you should marry or meet your idols, quite frankly.
“But Dave Grohl, however, I would have wanted to marry and snog.”
The punk band, made up of Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook, have been touring with Frank, who replaced John Lydon as singer.
Now Glen wants the group to get into the studio together.
He said in an exclusive chat: “I’ve got a few ideas. I think Frank has. Steve’s a bit of a, ‘Just go and play’ kind of guy. I think Paul’s sort of on the fence about it, we’ll see. I think we’ve got it in us.”
The Sex Pistols and Frank – whose gigs were branded “karaoke” by bitter John – are also heading on tour again this coming year and have a host of dates in America.
Glen, who has a new documentary out, I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol, said: “We should have been just finishing a two-month American tour, but we had to postpone it because Steve fell over coming out of the Chelsea ground and broke his wrist in three places.
“We’ve had to reschedule everything. We’re going to be busy again.”
Fifth ammendments
Fifth Harmony will make their comeback in 2026Credit: Getty
FIFTH HARMONY will make their comeback in 2026 after a brief reunion at a Jonas Brothers gig.
NORMANI has confirmed the return, eight years after they split up. She will take part with Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui, but Camila Cabello won’t be back.
Teasing that fans can expect them back, Normani said: “I don’t have loose lips, but yes, 2026 will be one for the books for Fifth Harmony.”
Freedom for Jade
Jade has been given the Freedom of the Borough in South TynesideCredit: instagram/jadethirlwall
ANGEL Of My Dreams singer Jade has become Angel Of The North – after being given the Freedom of the Borough in South Tyneside, where she’s from.
She received the honour alongside the owner of local chippy Colmans.
Jade said on Instagram: “What an honour this was, with my family and friends by my side.
“If you see me walking my cattle around the town, mind ya business.”
Olivia’s loving New Year No1
OLIVIA DEAN looks set to claim the first No1 album of 2026, as The Art Of Loving is rising back up the charts.
The British singer’s album is currently in the lead and is expected to spend a third non- consecutive week in the top spot, although Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend is just behind her.
And another Liv – Olivia Rodrigo – is also back in the charts.
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