All five members of K-pop group NewJeans are set to return to their management label Ador, following a year-long legal battle. The decision comes after a Seoul court ruled on 30 October that the group's exclusive contract with Ador remains valid until 2029, unless an appeal succeeds.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ador confirmed that members Haerin and Hyein would resume activities with the label. The agency said the two had decided, after discussions with their families, to respect the court's ruling and honour their contract. Ador pledged full support for their artistic work.
Hours later, the remaining three members—Minji, Hanni, and Danielle—issued their own statement, also confirming their return. They noted that one member was in Antarctica, causing a delay in communication, and that Ador had not yet responded to them. Ador later said it was checking whether the three intended to return.
The dispute began in April 2024 when Hybe, Ador's parent company, accused former CEO Min Hee Jin of attempting to make Ador independent. NewJeans later declared their contract invalid, alleging mistreatment, but Ador denied the claims. The group had been performing independently under the name NJZ, but a court injunction blocked that.
Former CEO Min Hee Jin released a statement on Thursday expressing support for the members, saying she would 'watch over NewJeans’ music and growth and support them to the very end'.
