The return of two members from the renowned girl group NewJeans to ADOR has sparked renewed discussions about the group’s future direction. This announcement comes on the heels of several months filled with legal disputes, public disagreements, and significant uncertainty affecting the K-pop landscape.
As developments unfold, fans are eager to learn whether the duo will collaborate solely or if there exists a possibility for all five members to reconcile following the later acknowledgment by the remaining trio. Their subsequent statements add more complexity to the situation.
Confirmation of Haerin and Hyein’s Return
On November 12, 2025, ADOR released an official proclamation revealing that members Haerin and Hyein have chosen to stay with the agency. The announcement highlighted that this decision came after extensive discussions with their families and consideration of the court’s ruling. They will continue to fulfill their exclusive contracts and engage in entertainment activities managed by ADOR.
In its statement, ADOR expressed its dedication to facilitating a seamless reintegration of the two artists into their work routine. The agency also appealed for ongoing support from fans while discouraging the spread of unfounded rumors. This announcement was the first official word regarding NewJeans’ status with ADOR since the group’s fracture late last year.
The Legal Dispute: A Major Turning Point
This prolonged conflict originated on November 28, 2024, when all five members of NewJeans conducted an emergency press conference, announcing their exit from ADOR. The group expressed disappointment over the company’s inadequate response to several raised concerns. In response, ADOR maintained that the members’ contracts were still active and initiated a lawsuit the following December to confirm their legitimacy.
The matter escalated in February 2025 when the members began performing under the name “NJZ”, indicating a break from their original label. ADOR swiftly countered with a legal injunction to prevent the artists from independently promoting activities. By March, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, imposing a temporary block on all independent activities under the NJZ branding.
Judicial Support for ADOR
Even after an appeal from NewJeans’ members, the court reiterated ADOR’s standing on October 30, 2025. The ruling from the Seoul Central District Court concluded that the exclusive contracts binding the artists to ADOR were valid and must be adhered to, hence preventing the members from engaging in any independent endeavors without the agency’s approval.
Experts specializing in South Korean entertainment law characterized this ruling as a critical point in evaluating contractual disputes within the sector. It underscored the power of management contracts while eliciting discussions around artist rights and freedoms. The decision also paved the way for potential reconciliation, though, at that moment, no members had confirmed their subsequent plans publicly.
Statements from Minji, Hanni, and Danielle
Following ADOR’s announcement about Haerin and Hyein, the other three members—Minji, Hanni, and Danielle—released a collective statement. They also affirmed their decision to return to ADOR after thoughtful discussions. They explained that the delay in their announcement was partially due to one member being in Antarctica, which created some communication barriers.
This narrative was originally published by IBTimes UK
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