Following NewJeans’ announcement of their intent to return to ADOR, the agency has confirmed it is currently “coordinating individual meetings with the members.”
In an official statement released on November 13, ADOR said, “We are in the process of arranging one-on-one meetings with each member and will do our best to ensure smooth discussions.” The agency’s response suggests that sufficient dialogue is needed, as some members reportedly notified ADOR of their decision to return unilaterally.
Previously, on November 12, ADOR stated that members Haerin and Hyein had expressed their desire to continue activities with the label. “After careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members decided to respect the court’s ruling and uphold their exclusive contracts,” the agency said at the time.
Shortly after, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle also announced their decision to return. Through their legal representative, Hanil Law Corporation, the trio shared, “After careful discussion, we have decided to return to ADOR.”
However, they added, “One member was in Antarctica, which delayed communication. Since ADOR had not yet responded, we were inevitably forced to release our statement separately.” Unlike Haerin and Hyein, the three members had not yet discussed their return directly with ADOR before their announcement, prompting the agency to respond cautiously, saying it was “verifying the details.”
Min Hee Jin's response to NewJeans' return to ADOR
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, who parted ways with the company following a dispute with parent company HYBE, voiced her support for NewJeans’ decision to reunite.
“The members’ decision to return together must have come after deep reflection and conversation,” Min said. “I respect and support their choice. Although it has been a difficult time, I deeply value the courage the members have shown in joining hands again to protect one another.”
She continued, “I can start anew anywhere, but I firmly believe that NewJeans must always remain whole as five members. I hope they continue to grow stronger and become an even better NewJeans, and above all, that all five members are happy. I sincerely thank the fans who have stood by NewJeans during these difficult times. Please welcome the members warmly as they make their return. I will continue to watch over and support their music and growth.”
Min also addressed the ongoing legal disputes, saying, “Multiple lawsuits have been taking place simultaneously, leading to a long and challenging period for all of us. The legal proceedings between me and HYBE are entirely separate from NewJeans. I am doing my best as an individual and hope the truth will be revealed.”
Ongoing legal dispute between ADOR/HYBE and NewJeans/Min Hee Jin
Meanwhile, in November 2024, NewJeans unilaterally terminated their contract with ADOR, citing breach of duty. The group claimed they lost trust in the label after Min Hee Jin and several staff members resigned.
ADOR responded in December 2024 by filing a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract, arguing that NewJeans’ termination was unilateral. The agency also filed for an injunction to prevent the members from pursuing independent activities before the court’s decision, which was granted in March 2025.
On October 30, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 41, presided over by Judge Jung Hoi Il, ruled in favor of ADOR, confirming the validity of the group’s contract. The court stated, “The exclusive contract remains valid. The dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin does not constitute a management void, nor does the contract stipulate that she must lead ADOR.”
Immediately following the ruling, NewJeans, through their legal representatives at Shin & Kim, expressed their intent to appeal, saying that while they “respect the court’s decision,” it would be “impossible to resume normal activities under ADOR at this time.” However, just one day before the appeal deadline, the group reversed course and announced their return.
SEE ALSO: "They need to apologize properly for what they've done" K-netizens react to NewJeans’ return to ADOR
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