NewJeans’ full-member comeback falls through

(Yonhap)

The highly anticipated return of NewJeans as a full, five-member girl group has officially fallen through.

While Haerin and Hyein – who had expressed their intention to rejoin – have been joined by Hanni and Minji in moving toward a return, Danielle has been notified of her release.

South Korean entertainment giant Hybe Co. announced on Monday that it had notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract.

“We have determined that it is difficult to continue working together with Danielle as a member of NewJeans and as an artist under ADOR,” Hybe said.

It added that it plans to pursue legal responsibility against one family member of Danielle and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

Hybe said the family member and Min are responsible for triggering the current dispute and for NewJeans’ departure and delayed return.

In November, the court ruled in favor of ADOR in a lawsuit confirming the validity of the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR.