All five members of K-pop group NewJeans have decided to resume activities with their label ADOR, nearly a year after they attempted to terminate their contracts.
Initially, only two members, Haerin and Hyein, were confirmed to be returning to ADOR, with the HYBE-owned label telling MBW in an emailed statement on Wednesday (November 12) that “Haerin and Hyein of NewJeans have decided to continue their activities with ADOR.”
ADOR continued: “After thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members have decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract with the label.”
Hours later, the remaining three members — Minji, Hanni, and Danielle — issued their own statement confirming their return.
“After careful discussions, we have decided to return to ADOR. One of our members is currently in Antarctica, so the communication was delayed and since ADOR has not yet responded, we had no choice but to share our position separately,” according to a statement released by Minji, Danielle and Hanni, which was obtained by The Korea Times.
The members announced their decision just hours before the deadline to appeal a court ruling that upheld the validity of their exclusive contract with ADOR, according to local media. Chosun said the final deadline to abandon an appeal was set for midnight on Thursday (November 13).
About two weeks ago, a court in Seoul rejected claims by NewJeans that ADOR violated contractual obligations, ruling that the group remains bound to their exclusive agreement with the label.
“After thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members have decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract with the label.”
ADOR
The Seoul Central District Court on October 30 found that ADOR’s removal of former CEO Min Hee-jin did not breach the contract signed in April 2022.
The decision dealt a blow for NewJeans, which announced their contract termination in November 2024 and attempted to rebrand under the name NJZ.
Min, who founded ADOR and was credited as the creative force behind NewJeans, had been embroiled in a public feud with HYBE over control of the subsidiary. After her dismissal, ADOR offered her a producer role on a contract basis, which she rejected before she resigned as an internal director.
Less than a month ago, Korean entertainment outlet SpoTV News reported that Min has set up a new entertainment company called ooak Co. It was officially registered on October 16 with business operations spanning artist management, music production and distribution, performance planning, and brand management.
SpoTV News speculated that Min may be positioning ooak as a potential new home for NewJeans if the court rules in the members’ favor. However, the latest court setback for NewJeans means the group are still tied to ADOR.
In July, the group wrote in a petition cited by their lawyers: “Telling us to return to ADOR and HYBE is like telling the victim of school bullying to return to the same school and endure it.”
The group also likened the situation to “a mother who raised us being kicked out, while the abusive father tells us to come back, promising to bring in a better mother.”
“We request the warm support from the fans and respectfully urge you to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members.”
ADOR
Following NewJeans’ decision, ADOR said it would provide “full support” to the members “to ensure the seamless continuation of their artistic endeavors. We request the warm support from the fans and respectfully urge you to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members.”
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