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NewJeans' Delayed Comeback Raises Coordination Questions
All five members of the girl group NewJeans have stated their desire to come back to ADOR, although the music industry believes that full-group activities may not happen quickly in the near future. This has led some observers to suggest that the members choosing to return at different times might indicate challenges in internal coordination. Hyein and Haerin announced their decision to return after discussions with the agency, while Minji, Danielle, and Hanni shared their own prepared statements about returning without prior approval from ADOR.
As per several reports on the 13th, the varying timelines of the members' statements were verified to be due to genuine differences in their personal intentions regarding returning. Earlier on the 11th, four NewJeans members, including Hyein and Haerin, reportedly met with ADOR CEO Lee Do-kyong along with their families. Two out of the three members—Minji, Danielle, and Hanni—who were in South Korea at that time attended the meeting, while the third member, who was "in Antarctica," did not. However, only Hyein and Haerin later separately communicated their desire to return to ADOR, whereas the two members who were present at the meeting reportedly returned after expressing only their prior conditions for resuming activities.
Minji, Danielle, and Hanni each issued separate statements on the 12th, which were also urgent following the announcement by Hyein and Haerin. In their statements, the three mentioned, "One member is currently in Antarctica, which has caused a delay in communicating our desire to return," and "Since ADOR did not respond, we had no option but to make this announcement individually." According to sources, the three tried to reach out to ADOR right after they found out about Hyein and Haerin's decision, but they released their own statement after not getting an immediate reply.
On the 13th, ADOR mentioned, "We are in the process of arranging further one-on-one meetings with the members and will strive to facilitate effective conversations."
◇ Legal Loss as an Indicator for Members' Return
The members' shift in opinion is examined as being greatly affected by their total loss in the initial trial of the "exclusive contract validity confirmation lawsuit" against ADOR on the 30th of last month. The court decided in favor of ADOR, confirming that the exclusive agreement between NewJeans and ADOR is still valid until July 31, 2029. The judgment also rejected all claims of ADOR's responsibility raised by NewJeans, a ruling that was notably comprehensive for a civil case.
The court specifically stated in its decision that the involvement of former CEO Min Hee-jin was not a central part of the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans. It also mentioned, “(Based on submitted chat evidence, etc.) it seems that Min Hee-jin aimed to take NewJeans and break away from ADOR and HYBE (ADOR's parent company),” directly responding to the allegations of interference against the former CEO. This is why, even if all members successfully return to ADOR as a group, it is expected that Min Hee-jin's return as a producer—a goal they had long sought—will still be unattainable.
Besides Hyein and Haerin, who were the first to announce their return, other members have faced considerable psychological stress due to the current exclusive contract system, which gives ADOR complete authority over the group's operations. At present, the group name "NewJeans" and all rights related to their past activities are fully controlled by ADOR, which has also entered into individual exclusive contracts with each member. Legally, even if only Hyein and Haerin rejoin ADOR, there would be no problem in them using the name "NewJeans" and continuing to perform their existing songs. The music industry has seen similar situations before, such as TVXQ, which continued its activities with just two of its original five members following a contract dispute, and Fifty Fifty, which brought in new second-generation members after one original member stayed.
The court also approved ADOR's March request for a "preliminary injunction that prevents NewJeans from engaging in independent activities," alongside an indirect enforcement mechanism that requires the members to pay 1 billion South Korean won in compensation for each breach if they participate in activities without ADOR's approval. As long as the exclusive contract is in effect, the members are legally restricted from pursuing independent endeavors.
◇ Ongoing Issues for a Complete Team Return
Since all members of NewJeans have stated their desire to return to ADOR, the industry anticipates that the deadline for appealing the initial court decision regarding the exclusive contract—midnight on the 13th (0:00 on the 14th)—will pass without any appeal being filed. If this happens, the case will be finalized, and all members will be legally required to return to ADOR and restart their activities.
However, even if they manage to organize a group return, the unfavorable public image of them as "ungrateful idols" continues to be a significant challenge. Soon after news emerged that Minji, Hanni, and Danielle had decided to return without prior approval from ADOR, online forums and K-pop fanbases responded negatively, using phrases like "false surrender," "still not realizing," and "two versus three." Some fans gathered and shared the members' critical comments about the company from the past year, while others proposed, "ADOR staff should wear body cameras when dealing with NewJeans."
This issue arises because the primary reason for the members' long-standing conflict with ADOR was their decisions made without seeking input. Since former CEO Min Hee-jin was removed from ADOR's board in August of last year, the members have publicly called for her return through unexpected live streams, radio interviews, and media appearances without the company's approval. In October of last year, member Hanni openly criticized ADOR and HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk during a National Assembly audit. In November, they unilaterally announced at a press conference—without prior consent from the agency—that "the exclusive contract has been terminated due to ADOR's fault," causing controversy over "disregarding legal agreements."
Whether the members and their families can effectively separate themselves from former CEO Min Hee-jin is also a major challenge for a successful comeback. A source familiar with both parties said, "Hyein and Haerin agreed with ADOR during their comeback process that they would continue activities without Min Hee-jin, but no such agreement has been reached with the other three members."
On the 13th, former CEO Min Hee-jin issued a statement expressing, "I respect and back their decision." She further noted, "They have the freedom to begin again anywhere, but NewJeans needs to stay as a five-member group no matter what. I hope the members evolve into an even stronger NewJeans and, most importantly, that they find happiness." She also stated, "The ongoing legal disputes have been tough for all involved, and my case with HYBE is completely separate from NewJeans."
Min Hee-jin, who has recently founded a new agency named ooak, is involved in a legal battle with HYBE, the parent company of ADOR. The lawsuit aims to confirm the termination of a contract and seek payment for stock transactions connected to the exercise of a put option, which allows the sale of shares at a predetermined price.
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