All five members of NewJeans, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, will return to their original agency, ADOR. The announcement follows months of legal battles, public uncertainty, and speculation about the group’s future plans.
The Seoul-based label confirmed the news Tuesday, saying the members expressed their intention to resume activities under ADOR after “careful consideration.” The decision marks the end of one of K-pop’s most closely watched disputes this year, according to The Korea Times. Industry experts said the move could help stabilize the group’s management structure and signal renewed cooperation between artists and agency leadership.
Group Reunites After Legal Dispute
The conflict began in late 2024 when NewJeans said they were ending their exclusive contracts with ADOR, citing mismanagement and loss of trust. ADOR sued to confirm the validity of the contracts.
In March, a Seoul court ruled in ADOR’s favor, preventing the group from pursuing independent activities. The court later reaffirmed that the contracts remain valid through 2029, according to Billboard.
After the ruling, Haerin and Hyein were the first to announce their return. They said in a statement that they decided “after careful discussion with their families” and wanted to respect the court’s decision, The Korea Times reported.
Soon after, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle issued a joint message confirming their intent to rejoin ADOR. “After careful discussion, we have decided to return,” they said, according to Rolling Stone. The group added that one member was abroad, which caused a delay in communication with the agency.
ADOR said it would verify the statement and asked fans to “avoid speculation while details are confirmed,” BBC News reported.
What Comes Next for NewJeans
The full reunion allows ADOR to restore the team that helped launch one of K-pop’s fastest global rises. Industry analysts say the decision could stabilize NewJeans’ career and rebuild public trust after months of legal headlines.
ADOR is expected to plan the group’s first comeback since the dispute began. Music industry sources told Billboard that new recordings and performance schedules are being discussed internally. Fans also hope the return will lead to international promotions that were paused during the legal proceedings.
For fans, the reunion brings relief and anticipation. “We just want them together again and happy,” one fan wrote on social media.
The members’ decision to reunite closes a tense chapter in their story but opens a new one for the group’s future. As NewJeans prepares to move forward, all eyes will be on how they rebuild momentum and restore harmony within ADOR.
