The year-long legal conflict between K-pop group NewJeans and their management company ADOR has reached a resolution. All five members have confirmed they will return to the label after a court firmly upheld their exclusive contracts. This decision follows a series of legal defeats for the group, who had attempted to terminate their contracts and rebrand as NJZ.
The Court’s Final Ruling
On October 30, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court delivered a decisive ruling, rejecting NewJeans’ claims and validating their exclusive contracts with ADOR, which are set to run until 2029. The court found the group’s arguments for termination insufficient.
The court stated that the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin, which was a central point in the group’s case, did not constitute a breach of contract. The judges noted that ADOR had continued to make plans for the group, including album releases, fan meetings, and a world tour, even during the legal dispute. This demonstrated the label’s ongoing capability to manage the group’s career.
โIt is difficult to conclude that ADOR breached the exclusive contract solely on the grounds of Min Hee-jin’s dismissal,โ the court stated.
Following this ruling, NewJeans’ legal representative expressed that the trust between the group and their management had been “completely ruined.” The group initially announced plans to appeal the decision.
The Members’ Decision to Return
On November 12, 2025, the situation became clear when ADOR issued a statement announcing that two members, Haerin and Hyein, had decided to resume activities with the company. The label stated the decision was made after “thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions with ADOR.”
Hours later, the other three membersโMinji, Hanni, and Danielleโreleased their own separate statement confirming their return. Their announcement was delayed because one member was reportedly in Antarctica, and they felt compelled to share their position after ADOR did not immediately respond to their decision.
โAfter careful discussions, we have decided to return to ADOR,โ the three members stated. โWe will continue greeting you with sincere music and performances.โ
This series of announcements, coming just before the deadline to appeal the court’s ruling, effectively ends the legal battle and reunites the entire group under ADOR.
A Timeline of the Group’s Dispute
The conflict began in August 2024 when ADOR’s parent company, HYBE, dismissed CEO Min Hee-jin amid a power struggle. Min had been the creative force behind NewJeans, and her removal sparked the group’s dissatisfaction.
In November 2024, all five members held a press conference to announce the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR. They cited “mistreatment,” “deliberate miscommunications,” and a breakdown of trust, demanding Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement.
In February 2025, the group attempted to launch an independent career under the new name NJZ. They secured a performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong and debuted a new song. ADOR quickly filed for and won a preliminary injunction, blocking the group’s independent activities. A court in March 2025 sided with ADOR, preventing NJZ from signing contracts or releasing music without the label’s approval.
At their Hong Kong performance, the group announced an indefinite hiatus. Danielle and Hanni told the audience, โWeโve decided to pause all our activities for now. It wasnโt an easy decision, but we believe this is something we need to do at this moment.โ
Public and Media Reaction
The group’s return to ADOR has been met with mixed reactions. Some Korean media outlets have been critical, suggesting that NewJeans should issue an apology before resuming promotions. They argue that the group’s past criticisms of the K-pop industry and the public dispute damaged trust and implicated other artists.
During the conflict, Min Hee-jin had drawn other HYBE groups like LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT into the dispute, making claims about concept copying and unfair treatment. This led to some public sentiment that NewJeans should apologize to their industry colleagues.
Online comments reflect this divided opinion. One netizen stated, โJust donโt apologize and donโt come back.โ Another commented, โDonโt just write a handwritten letterโฆhold a press conference with reporters.โ
What Happens Next for NewJeans
With the legal battle over, ADOR has confirmed that preparations for NewJeans’ musical comeback are already complete. The company previously stated, โWe have completed preparations for the artist’s activities, including the release of a studio album, and are waiting.โ
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The label has pledged its “full support” to ensure a smooth continuation of the group’s artistic endeavors. For fans who have supported the group through this challenging period, this signals a welcome return to music. NewJeans quickly became one of K-pop’s most influential fourth-generation groups after their 2022 debut, with hits like “Super Shy” and “OMG” achieving global chart success.
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Credits: Music Business Worldwide
