Following a tumultuous year that included a very public legal fight, all five members of the K-pop girl group NewJeans have confirmed that they will return to activities under their original label, ADOR. It concludes a court verdict that ruled on the validity of their exclusive contracts, ending attempts from the group to leave the company.
ADOR NewJeans Verdict
The ruling on the case’s key issue came on October 30, when the Seoul Central District Court ruled unequivocally in favour of ADOR. It ruled that the agency and the five members are still tied by a valid and legally binding exclusive contract and dismissed NewJeans’ arguments that there had been an irreparable breakdown in the relationship of trust. Crucially, it indicated that the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin did not amount to a severe enough breach of contract to justify termination. It essentially closed off all legal avenues for the members, which led to their subsequent decision to return.
ADOR NewJeans Contract Dispute
The controversy began in late 2024 when the members expressed their wishes to end their exclusive contracts, citing the loss of trust after the conflict between ADOR’s parent company, HYBE, and its former CEO, Min Hee-jin, who had been the creative director for the group. They had even tried to rebrand and pursue independent activities under a temporary name, “NJZ.” But the court’s ruling cemented ADOR’s position as the group’s legal management until such time as the contract expired in 2029.
What Happened to NewJeans
The members’ decision to return unfolded in two parts. First, on November 12, Haerin and Hyein issued a formal return announcement, stating they would “respect the court’s latest ruling and abide by their exclusive contract” after consultations with their families and ADOR. Hours later, the remaining three members, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, released their own statement to confirm they, too, intended to return. This staged process brought temporary confusion.
ADOR NewJeans Latest Update: Antarctica Twist
The most unusual detail in the group’s fragmented announcement was a mention of the “Antarctica Twist.” Minji, Hanni, and Danielle’s statement noted their return announcement was delayed because “one member is currently in Antarctica,” leading to communication delays. Industry sources later identified Hanni as the member who was overseas, and that a reference to going to Antarctica – or at least the nearby region of Ushuaia, Argentina – was the reason for her absence in an important meeting with ADOR’s CEO. ADOR has since confirmed they are coordinating an individual meeting with Hanni upon her return to finalise discussions.
ADOR NewJeans Announcement
The latest announcements mark the official return of all five members following a period of inactivity and legal uncertainty. ADOR posted a statement pledging to provide “full support” to ensure that these members can continue their artistic activities without hindrance and requested fans to refrain from spreading speculation without grounds.
ADOR NewJeans Case, Sentence, Website, & Reddit
The high-stakes resolution of the ADOR NewJeans case received widespread coverage across all major K-pop news outlets, creating immense discussion on online communities like Reddit and the group’s official ADOR NewJeans website.
Though excited about the group’s reunion and a hypothetical new comeback, staggered announcements and their underlying tensions left questions regarding the group’s future dynamic and management structure. As such, the finality of the ADOR NewJeans verdict ensures a complete shift in focus toward the group’s musical comeback and a gruelling path toward stability within.
FAQs
Is NewJeans still under ADOR?
NewJeans had declared their contract terminated in November 2024, but recently, the girl group’s return to Ador marks an end to a long-running legal battle over what its members said was mistreatment and harassment.
What happened between NewJeans and ADOR?
A legal battle occurred between NewJeans and ADOR after the group attempted to terminate their contracts in late 2024, citing broken trust and alleged mistreatment.
Is NewJeans HYBE or ADOR?
All five members of NewJenas have returned to HYBE’s ADOR after a court ruling on a contract dispute.
Who left ADOR?
The K-pop group NewJeans announced their departure from ADOR in November 2024, but they are back in November 2025.
Will NewJeans leave HYBE?
No, the members of NewJeans are returning to their agency ADOR and will not be leaving HYBE.
