SEOUL, Dec. 29 -- Plans for NewJeans to reunite as a five-member group have suffered a major blow after their agency ADOR announced it had terminated its exclusive contract with member Danielle, while also signalling impending legal action linked to the long-running dispute.

In a statement released today, ADOR said it had held multiple discussions with members Minji, Hanni and Danielle following a court ruling that upheld the validity of their exclusive contracts.

The company confirmed that Hanni, together with her family, had engaged in talks in South Korea and ultimately decided to remain with the label, "respecting the court's decision".

ADOR said discussions with Minji were ongoing and described them as positive, aimed at "expandin...