NewJeans Timeline

U.S. copyright management company All Surface Publishing filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging NewJeans' "ETA" lifted elements from DJ Debonair Samir's 2005 track "Samir's Theme"; defendants named include NewJeans, ADOR, HYBE, producer 250, lyricists Beenzino and Vana, and Apple.

The Seoul Central District Court held the third hearing in a damages suit filed by Ador against NewJeans member Danielle, her family and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. Ador says Danielle pursued an outside project with U.S. band Emotional Oranges, took part in photo shoots, magazine cover projects and an individual watch-brand deal without consultation, and was involved in an alleged double contract; Ador also removed Danielle from NewJeans, accusing her of seriously violating her exclusive contract.

ADOR has reduced its damages claim against its ex-CEO and an ex-NewJeans member by 10 billion won.

Four songwriters, including Audrey Armacost, sued NewJeans, agency Ador and parent company Hybe in the U.S., alleging the 2024 single "How Sweet" copied elements from their demo "One of a Kind" and seeking royalty compensation.

ADOR has filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately 43 billion won (about $29 million) against former NewJeans member Danielle and others.

Ador confirmed that members Hyein, Haerin and Hanni recently traveled to Copenhagen for music production as NewJeans begins preparations for a comeback; Minji did not join the trip.

The agency said it has not decided whether Minji will rejoin the group.

Danielle's contract with the agency has been terminated and she is no longer part of the group's contracted lineup.

NewJeans achieved 900 million plays on Spotify with the 2022 B-side track "Ditto," marking the group's second song to pass that milestone after "OMG." "Ditto" is from the single album "OMG," released in December 2022; it also entered the Billboard Hot 100 (No. 82) and the U.K. Official Singles Top 100 (No. 95).

The music video for NewJeans' "OMG" has garnered 300 million views on YouTube.

Ador reported that NewJeans' 2023 song "OMG" surpassed 900 million plays on Spotify.

Ador notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract with the agency.

Danielle is referred to as a former member of NewJeans and said she 'fought till the end' to stay with the group.

K-pop label ADOR filed a lawsuit against NewJeans member Danielle. The report also states that ex-chief Min (Lee Min-young) is seeking 43.1 billion won in compensation.

K-pop label ADOR filed a lawsuit against Danielle, reported by Yonhap.

ADOR confirmed NewJeans member Hanni will continue her activities with ADOR.

ADOR announced it notified NewJeans member Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract.

ADOR announced that NewJeans member Danielle's contract has been terminated.

ADOR announced that NewJeans member Hanni will stay with the agency.

HYBE labels shared updates on the progress of legal proceedings against malicious activities violating the rights of NewJeans.

ADOR announced that NewJeans member Danielle's contract has been terminated.

ADOR announced that NewJeans member Hanni will remain with the agency.

Ador filed a civil damages suit at the Seoul Central District Court seeking up to 43.09 billion won against former NewJeans member Danielle, a family member, and ex-CEO Min Hee-jin.

Ador terminated Danielle's contract, making her an ex-member of NewJeans.

Ador announced plans to file a lawsuit against Danielle, seeking contractual penalties and damages.

Danielle Marsh became the first member to formally exit the five-member girl group NewJeans.

Ador (Hybe subsidiary) announced the termination of Danielle Marsh's exclusive contract with the agency.

Danielle has been removed from the girl group NewJeans after Ador terminated her contract.

ADOR announced the termination of NewJeans member Danielle's contract.

NewJeans member Hanni will remain under contract with ADOR, as announced by the label.

ADOR announced that NewJeans member Danielle's contract has been terminated.

ADOR confirmed that NewJeans member Hanni will remain under contract with the agency.

Ador said Hanni will rejoin the agency.

Ador officially terminated Danielle's exclusive contract, citing irreparable damage to trust and ongoing conflict stemming from the group's legal dispute with the agency.

Ador announced the termination of its exclusive contract with NewJeans member Danielle; the agency said it concluded Danielle would have difficulty continuing as part of the group or with the agency.

In December 2025, Ador filed a damage suit against the idol Danielle, her mother and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, claiming 43.1 billion won in compensation for causing delay to the resumption of NewJeans' activities.

According to Ador, the other members began terminating the AAO agreement after returning to Ador in November 2025, while Danielle allegedly continued concealing its existence.

A court ruling on the validity of contracts was issued on October 30, accelerating subsequent developments related to NewJeans' contracts.

An Oct. 30 court ruling confirmed the validity of exclusive contracts between Ador and all five NewJeans members.

An October court ruling confirmed the validity of the NewJeans members' contracts.

A court granted an injunction in March 2025 barring the members from pursuing entertainment activities without Ador's approval.

All five members said late last year that they intended to return to Ador, bringing an end to their legal dispute with the agency.

Danielle has been removed from the girl group NewJeans and is no longer a member following the contract termination by Ador.

Ador officially terminated Danielle's exclusive contract, citing irreparable damage to trust and ongoing conflict related to the group's legal dispute with the agency.

After Ador declined to reinstate Min, the members announced the termination of their exclusive contracts with Ador on Nov. 28, 2024 and later began promoting independently under the name NJZ.

NewJeans notified ADOR of the termination of its exclusive contract via a surprise press conference.

In November 2024 the members notified Ador of contract termination (report excerpt).

The members moved to terminate their exclusive contracts and pursue independent activities.

The contract dispute between NewJeans and their agency Ador began, creating uncertainty around Danielle's status with the group.

A contract dispute between NewJeans (and member Danielle) and agency Ador began.

During the group's Sept. 11 livestream, all five members publicly demanded that Hybe restore Min as Ador's CEO by Sept. 25, arguing management changes had undermined the group.

Ador presented an audio recording dated 2024-09-02 that it says captures Min allegedly discussing plans surrounding NewJeans' YouTube livestream and telling members' parents the livestream 'must go ahead' to create evidence for a future lawsuit.

Hybe removed Min as Ador's CEO in August 2024, citing a policy of separating management from production amid allegations she attempted to seize control of Ador's management.

HYBE Labels launched an internal audit of Min Hee-jin after tampering allegations involving NewJeans first surfaced.

"How Sweet," released in 2024, was hit with a copyright infringement suit in which the plaintiff sought damages and rights including a share of royalties.

In 2024 there were allegations that NewJeans' song "Bubble Gum" plagiarized "Easier Said Than Done" by British band Shakatak; the band signaled legal action including a demand to halt use of the song and pay damages.

"ETA" was released as part of NewJeans' second EP "Get Up" in July 2023.

"ETA" is one of the tracks from NewJeans' second EP "Get Up," which was released in 2023.

NewJeans' hit song "Super Shy" (referenced as a 2023 hit in the article).

"OMG" became NewJeans' first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 74 and charting for six weeks.