Haerin and Hyein of NewJeans have officially decided to continue their contracts with ADOR, signaling a turning point in the ongoing legal and contractual dispute between the label and the globally renowned K-pop group. The news follows a Seoul court ruling in late October that upheld the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract with ADOR, ending months of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the group’s future. “After careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members have made the decision to respect the court’s ruling and comply with the exclusive contract,” ADOR stated. “We kindly ask for the warm support of our fans and respectfully request that you refrain from any unfounded speculation regarding the members.”
The two members’ decision marks the first confirmed step toward reconciliation since tensions between ADOR and NewJeans began in 2024. While Haerin and Hyein have reaffirmed their commitment to the agency, the remaining three members have not yet made any public statements regarding their next move.
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A Major Shift After Months of Legal Turmoil
This update arrives shortly after the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, declaring the group’s exclusive contract valid and enforceable. The court stated that “it is difficult to view ADOR as having violated the exclusive contract merely by dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin,” confirming the agency’s authority to continue managing NewJeans. The decision also ordered the group to cover litigation costs, reinforcing ADOR’s legal position.
The dispute traces back to Min Hee-jin’s removal as ADOR’s CEO in August 2024, a move that fractured the relationship between the label and the group. Following her dismissal, NewJeans expressed public frustration, accused HYBE affiliates of interference, and briefly adopted the name “NJZ”. Multiple mediation attempts failed, with negotiations in September lasting only 20 minutes before collapsing.
What Haerin and Hyein’s Decision Means for NewJeans
Haerin and Hyein’s return to ADOR could signify the beginning of a resolution. However, the group’s unity remains uncertain, as the other members have yet to publicly comment on their contractual status or future activities.
The Future of NewJeans Under ADOR
Despite the turbulence, NewJeans continues to hold immense global influence. Their sophomore EP Get Up debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing them as one of K-pop’s most successful fourth-generation acts. The outcome of this dispute—and whether all members will rejoin ADOR—will determine how the next chapter of their career unfolds.
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