K-pop sensation NewJeans signal full-group comeback by returning to ADOR under HYBE

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - NewJeans, the breakout K-pop act that shot to global fame upon debut in 2022 but became embroiled in a bitter dispute with its agency last year, is poised for a full-group comeback after members began signaling their return to ADOR, a move that lifts a major litigation burden for the parent manager HYBE ahead of the long-anticipated comeback of K-pop superstar BTS.  

On Wednesday, members Haerin and Hyein announced that they would return to ADOR, saying they had decided to respect the recent court ruling and rejoin the agency after “thoughtful consideration with their families and discussions with ADOR,” according to a statement posted on X. 

The remaining members — Minji, Hanni, and Danielle — told a local media outlet that they also intended to return. “One member is currently in Antarctica, which delayed communication, and we have not yet received a response from ADOR, so we are announcing this separately. We look forward to continuing to perform with sincerity,” they said. 

ADOR responded that it was “verifying the intentions of Minji, Hanni, and Danielle regarding their return.”

If all five members rejoin, it would mark 348 days since the group abruptly cut ties with ADOR by unilaterally terminating their contracts on Nov. 29 last year, following a highly publicized fallout involving former ADOR chief and group mentor Min Hee-jin. 

Last month, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, saying the exclusive contracts signed in 2022 remain valid, effectively barring the members from pursuing independent activities or signing with other labels.