After a year-long legal conflict that cast doubt on their future, all five members of the K-pop group NewJeans are set to return to their agency, ADOR. The decision by members Haerin and Hyein to resume activities with the label was followed just hours later by a similar announcement from Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, reuniting the complete group under the company they had previously sought to leave.
The Court’s Decision
The path back to ADOR began with a significant court ruling on October 30. The Seoul Central District Court rejected the members’ request to terminate their exclusive contracts, deciding that the agreements with ADOR remained legally binding and valid until 2029.
The court addressed the group’s key argument, stating, โIt is difficult to conclude that merely the fact that Min Hee-jin was dismissed from her position as CEO of ADOR caused a gap in management duties for the NewJeans members or that ADOR lacks the plans or capabilities to perform those duties.โ It further noted that ADOR had continued to prepare albums, plan fan meetings, and arrange commercial activities for the group even during the legal dispute.
Two Members Lead the Return
On November 12, ADOR made the first official move, announcing that Haerin and Hyein would be returning to the label. The agency stated that the two members had โexpressed their intent to continue their activities with ADORโ after thoughtful discussions with their families and the company.
In its public notice, ADOR said, โAfter careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members have decided to respect the courtโs ruling and uphold their exclusive contracts.โ The label promised its full support for Haerin and Hyein’s future entertainment activities.
The Complete Group Reunites
The situation evolved rapidly later the same day. The three remaining membersโMinji, Hanni, and Danielleโannounced their own decision to return to ADOR, ensuring the group remains intact.
Their statement provided a small glimpse into the challenges of coordinating their decision, explaining, โThis was relayed late as one member is currently in Antarctica, but as ADOR is not responding at the moment, we are inevitably announcing this through a separate statement.โ They reassured fans, writing, โWe will continue greeting you with sincere music and performances.โ
In response to this unexpected announcement, ADOR told media outlets it was โchecking on the truth of Minji, Hanni, and Danielleโs intent to return,โ indicating the fluid nature of the developments.
A Year of Conflict
The members’ return marks a major shift from their position a year ago. In November 2024, all five members held a press conference to declare they were leaving ADOR. They cited mistreatment, a breakdown of trust, and the controversial dismissal of their mentor and former ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin, as their primary reasons.
The dispute escalated into a public and legal battle. The group attempted to rebrand as “NJZ” in early 2025 and performed a new song at a festival, but ADOR obtained a court injunction to block these independent activities, forcing the group into a hiatus.
Fan Reactions and Future Steps
The news of the members’ return has sparked intense reactions from the group’s global fanbase, known as Bunnies or Tokkis. Many expressed a mix of relief and caution on social media, with some questioning the circumstances that led to the reversal. The fanbase team, Team Bunnies, released a statement respecting the members’ decisions and pledging continued support.
With the legal battle now seemingly over, ADOR has previously indicated that it has a studio album ready for NewJeans, suggesting that a musical comeback for the complete group could be on the horizon.
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