NewJeans Returns to ADOR After Legal Loss
The “Super Shy” K-pop girl group is coming back.
Summary
- K-pop group NewJeans ended their legal battle with ADOR and confirmed they will honor their exclusive contract after a court ruling upheld the label’s claim
- The group’s decision to return follows months of turmoil stemming from the dismissal of their mentor, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin
- All five members have agreed to resume activities under the label, with ADOR promising full support for the group’s future releases
The highly publicized legal battle between the K-pop group NewJeans and their management company, ADOR, has reached a resolution. The five members have announced that they will officially be returning to the label, ending a year of industry turmoil and fan uncertainty.
The dispute began in late 2024, when the group publicly sought to terminate their contracts following the dismissal of their creative mentor, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. However, a recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court upheld ADOR’s exclusive contract with the group, which is set to run through 2029.
The members’ decision to resume activities under ADOR was made “after thoughtful consideration with their respective families.” Initial statements confirming the decision came in two parts, first from Hyein and Haerin, and shortly thereafter from Minji, Danielle and Hanni. This signals a complete end to the group’s attempts to leave the label and their brief effort to rebrand as NJZ. The company shared a statement with Billboard, “The two members [Haerin and Hyein] have decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract with the label. ADOR is committed to providing its full support to HAERIN and HYEIN 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.”
The court’s ruling emphasized that ADOR had fulfilled its contractual obligations and that the removal of Min Hee-jin did not constitute sufficient grounds for contract termination. ADOR has publicly stated its commitment to fully supporting the group’s future activities, promising a new chapter of music and performances.
