A high-profile dispute finally resolved
South Korea’s popular girl group NewJeans, composed of members Hanni, Danielle, Minji, Haerin and Hyein, have announced their decision to return to their label ADOR (a subsidiary of HYBE) following a prolonged and public legal battle over their exclusive contracts. The dispute had grown highly visible: the group attempted last year to terminate their contract, even announcing a re-branding to “NJZ” in an effort to circumvent the label’s exclusive rights. On November 12 2025, Korean news agency Yonhap reported that all five members plan to resume activities under ADOR after the Seoul court upheld the validity of the exclusive contract.
What sparked the dispute
The conflict dates back to late 2024, when the group’s mentor and former ADOR CEO, Min Hee‑jin, was removed from her position, prompting NewJeans to allege mistreatment and a breakdown in trust with the label. In February 2025, the members announced their new name “NJZ” and prepared for independent activities, but ADOR filed for an injunction in March that prohibited the members from performing or entering into new contracts outside the label. The court ruled in favour of the label on October 30, 2025, confirming the validity of the contract through 2029 and rejecting the group’s claims for contract termination.
Terms of the comeback
According to statements:
- ADOR confirmed that Haerin and Hyein had already “decided to respect the court’s ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract”.
- Moments later, the other three members (Hanni, Danielle and Minji) confirmed their intention to return “after careful discussion”, even though one member was reported to be in Antarctica, explaining the delayed announcement.
- ADOR asked fans and media to avoid unfounded speculation and committed to providing full support to the members going forward.
Why the resolution matters
- The case underscores the growing visibility of artist-label contract disputes in K-pop, showing that even top acts can seek legal recourse and public negotiation.
- For NewJeans, returning to the label preserves access to their brand, global promotions and HYBE support, but may also require renewed trust and clarity in how the label handles the artists’ wellbeing.
- For ADOR/HYBE, the victory and reconciliation may bolster their control and contractual precedent in the industry — but the public relations aspects of the dispute will test how the company treats artist grievances.
- For fans and industry watchers, the comeback signals that NewJeans are likely to resume group activities — albums, tours, endorsements — sooner rather than later, albeit under renewed contract terms.
What to look for now
- When NewJeans will announce a comeback schedule (new single or album), and whether their brand new content reflects changes in messaging or creative direction.
- Whether ADOR publicly addresses the internal governance issues that triggered the dispute (i.e., treatment of members, management practices) and whether the company takes steps to rebuild trust.
- How the wider K-pop industry will interpret the outcome: whether other artists will view this as a precedent in negotiations or contract strategies.
- Whether the members themselves comment further on the hiatus period, the experience of the dispute and what their return under the label means for their personal and group aspirations.
The big picture
After a tense year of legal wrangling, public statements and a complete hiatus, NewJeans’ decision to re-join their label marks a major pivot in their career. The group had briefly attempted to sever ties and reinvent themselves, but the legal ruling forced a re-assessment. Now, under the same label they once challenged, their next chapter begins — and all eyes are on how they will reclaim momentum and whether the industry has learned lessons about contract fairness, artist welfare and public trust.
