"NEWJEANS IS FIVE!" trends as all members announce return to ADOR following court ruling

On November 12, 2025, South Korean media outlet Star News reported that NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein decided to continue their exclusive contracts with ADOR. In an statement posted on social media ADOR addressed the decision by Haerin and Hyein to remain with the agency, stating,

“NewJeans members Hyein and Haerin have expressed their intention to continue their activities with ADOR. After careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members have made the decision to respect the court's ruling and comply with the exclusive contract."

The agency further stated,

"ADOR will do its utmost to ensure that Hyein and Haerin can continue their entertainment activities smoothly. We kindly ask for the warm support of our fans and respectfully request that you refrain from any unfounded speculation regarding the members.”

Later on the day, another news outlet Herald Economy reported that NewJeans had officially reunited, with Danielle, Hanni, and Minji also confirming their return to ADOR alongside Haerin and Hyein. The three members released a joint statement confirming their decision to return to ADOR. They shared that after extensive discussions, they agreed to resume activities under the agency,

“Hello, this is Minzy, Hani, and Daniel. After careful discussion, we have decided to return to Adore. One member is currently in Antarctica, which delayed the delivery, and Adore has not responded, so we are forced to announce our position separately. We will continue to deliver heartfelt music and performances. Thank you.”

This development followed the Seoul Central District Court’s ruling on October 30, 2025, which stated that all five members of NewJeans must uphold their exclusive contracts with ADOR until 2029. The ruling dismissed the group’s attempt to terminate their agreements earlier than planned.

Following the verdict, the members had announced plans to appeal the decision from the first trial concerning the validity of their contracts. However, with all the members now returning to ADOR, reports suggested that this could mark the end of the group’s year-long legal dispute.

Reactions among fans on the other hand remained mixed. While some expressed relief that the group might finally move forward together, others voiced concern about the circumstances behind the decision. Some fans expressed happiness over all of the 5 members returning together as a group. One fan commented,

"NEWJEANS IS FIVE !!!"

Online discussions however also pointed out the year-long conflict between the group and the agency. Many netizens reflected on the dispute that began after the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and the controversy that followed. For the unknown, Min had alleged that HYBE replicated NewJeans’ creative concept for ILLIT leading to numerous lawsuits and sparking intense debate and division among fandoms throughout 2024 and 2025.

While some fans expressed relief that the group would remain together, others voiced anger and disappointment over the circumstances surrounding their return. Some felt that the court’s decision left the members with no other choice but to comply. Many fans on the other hand, expressed their excitement for the group's comeback.

---

ADOR wins court ruling against ahead of NewJeans as members decide to return, marking end of year-long dispute

The dispute between ADOR and NewJeans began in November 2024, when the group sought to void their contracts after the company refused to reinstate former CEO Min Hee-jin. The members announced plans to work independently as NJZ. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit in December 2024 to confirm the contracts’ validity and obtained a court injunction preventing the members from pursuing independent activities until a final ruling.

On October 30, the Seoul Central District Court found that ADOR had not violated its duties, rejecting NewJeans’ bid to end their contracts. It ruled that Min Hee-jin’s dismissal didn’t justify termination of the group’s contract. It rejected the argument that trust between the agency and the artists had been irreparably damaged.

In response to the verdict the agency expressed respect for the court’s decision and reaffirmed its intention to fulfill its duties as a management company. ADOR also revealed that preparations for NewJeans’ upcoming full-length album had already been completed and emphasized that discussions would continue to determine the group’s next steps.

The agency added that it hoped the court’s decision would provide both parties with an opportunity to reassess the situation and move forward more calmly. Sejong Law Firm on the other, representing all 5 members of the girl group, at that time announced plans to appeal the ruling.

---

With all members now reunited under ADOR, fans are eagerly anticipating NewJeans’ next project and hopeful for the group’s full return to activities.

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty