The five members of NewJeans are showing differing moves over their return to ADOR, the agency with which they have been in a legal dispute over exclusive contracts.
All five members declared their return to ADOR on November 12. However, Haerin and Hyein announced the news officially through the agency, while Minji, Danielle, and Hanni revealed their decision about two and a half hours later through their legal representatives, highlighting a clear difference in tone.
According to reports by Munhwa Ilbo, Haerin and Hyein had already expressed their intention to return to ADOR about a week before the official announcement. They had been coordinating opinions with the agency since then. The reason their decision was made official on November 12 was that the following day, November 13, marked the appeal deadline for the ongoing lawsuit concerning the validity of their exclusive contracts.
ADOR reportedly waited until that day to confirm the remaining members’ stance through their appeal decision, even while maintaining communication with Haerin and Hyein.
In contrast, Minji, Danielle, and Hanni had not delivered any official statement regarding their return to ADOR as of November 12. Their announcement came immediately after Haerin and Hyein’s official statement, making it effectively a unilateral declaration. This abrupt timing led ADOR to release a cautious response, stating that it was “in the process of verifying their true intentions.”
There appears to be a considerable difference in what each side means by “discussion” or “consultation.” ADOR explained that “the two members carefully considered the matter with their families and, after sufficient discussion with the agency, decided to respect the court’s ruling and comply with the exclusive contract.” Since Haerin and Hyein are minors, this process reportedly included communication with their parents to mend the strained relationship of the past year.
On the other hand, the statement released by Minji, Danielle, and Hanni said, “After careful discussion, we have decided to return to ADOR.” In this context, the word “we” referred only to the three members, excluding Haerin and Hyein, and their “careful discussion” did not involve the agency. Instead, their comeback statement was delivered through the media, not directly to ADOR, shortly after Haerin and Hyein’s announcement.
The trio explained that one member was “currently in Antarctica,” which delayed communication, and that “since ADOR had not replied, they had no choice but to announce separately.” However, this has been widely interpreted as a continuation of their independent approach. Observers believe that once Haerin and Hyein’s return became public, the remaining three rushed to express their decision without waiting for ADOR’s response.
Some industry sources expressed regret that ADOR has not immediately accepted the three members’ return. Yet others point out that an unconditional acceptance could make future harmony within the group difficult. ADOR also has a responsibility to protect Haerin and Hyein, who proactively initiated communication and helped bring the situation toward resolution.
If ADOR were to respond hastily to align with the three members before confirming each side’s intentions, tension could arise between Haerin and Hyein, who had already reconciled with the agency, and the other three who acted independently.
SEE ALSO: "They need to apologize properly for what they've done" K-netizens react to NewJeans’ return to ADOR
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