Two members of the popular K-pop girl group NewJeans, Haerin and Hyein, have officially decided to return to their entertainment agency ADOR and resume activities after nearly a year of legal disputes. The announcement marks a significant development in one of the most closely watched contract disputes in the K-pop industry.
The decision comes in the wake of a crucial court ruling in late October, when the Seoul Central District Court determined that the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR remains legally valid. This ruling provided the legal foundation for the members' return to the agency.
In an official statement, ADOR confirmed the return of the two members, explaining the careful process that led to this decision. "Haerin and Hyein have expressed their intention to continue working with ADOR," the management company said in their release. "After consulting with their families and holding sufficient discussions with ADOR, the two members decided to respect the court's verdict and the exclusive contract."
The agency has remained tight-lipped about ongoing discussions with the three remaining members of the quintet, declining to provide any comments about potential negotiations. Industry sources indicate that Haerin and Hyein are expected to resume their professional activities under the NewJeans name, though it remains unclear whether they will wait for their fellow group members to make similar decisions before launching new projects.
ADOR has expressed strong commitment to supporting the returning members' careers. The agency stated that it "will make full efforts to support their future activities in the entertainment industry," signaling their readiness to invest in the members' professional development and upcoming projects.
The legal conflict began in November of last year when all five NewJeans members announced they were terminating their contract with ADOR. The group cited a fundamental breakdown of trust between themselves and the agency, alleging that ADOR had failed to fulfill its contractual obligations to them. This dramatic announcement sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry and sparked widespread media coverage.
The dispute escalated in December when ADOR filed a lawsuit against the group members, arguing that their attempt to pursue independent careers in the entertainment industry represented a serious breach of their exclusive contract. The legal battle highlighted the complex contractual relationships that govern the K-pop industry and the challenges faced by artists seeking greater control over their careers.
The conflict has deep roots in corporate changes at ADOR and its parent company Hybe. The members had demanded the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as ADOR's CEO, but both the agency and Hybe failed to respond to their demands. In August, Hybe removed Min from her position, alleging that she had attempted to take control of both ADOR and NewJeans, further complicating the relationship between the artists and their management.
Looking ahead, ADOR has indicated its readiness to move forward with new projects. In late October, the agency announced that it had "completed preparations for activities, including the release of a regular album," suggesting that plans for new music and performances are already in motion. The return of Haerin and Hyein provides the agency with the opportunity to restart promotional activities, though the status of the remaining three members continues to cast uncertainty over the group's complete reunion.
