NewJeans Members to Return to ADOR Following Court Case Loss ‘After Thoughtful Consideration’

After losing their legal battle against ADOR, the members of NewJeans have decided to resume activities with the label.

On Wednesday (Nov. 12), ADOR announced that K-pop stars Haerin and Hyein had agreed to continue working with the HYBE subsidiary after “thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions” about how to move forward.

“The two members have decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract with the label,” the company wrote in a statement shared with Billboard. “ADOR is committed to providing its full support to HAERIN and HYEIN to ensure the seamless continuation of their artistic endeavors.”

“We request the warm support from the fans and respectfully urge you to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members,” ADOR added.

Other outlets are also reporting that the remaining members, Minji, Hanni and Danielle, have also agreed to continue working with the label. Billboard has reached out to HYBE for comment.

News of NewJeans’ return comes a year after the members first announced plans to leave ADOR and release music independently, alleging that the label had violated their contract by firing their mentor, former CEO Min Hee-jin. This past October, however, a Korean judge sided with ADOR’s stance that the termination of Min was not sufficient grounds to void the band’s contract, upholding that NewJeans may not pursue any independent activities until 2029.

“We sincerely hope that today’s judgment, which comes after long-term verification of various claims and facts and reaffirms prior rulings, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter,” ADOR said in a statement following its victory. “As we stated during the trial, we have completed preparations for the artist’s activities, including the release of a studio album, and are waiting. We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artist.”

Since forming in 2022, NewJeans has released a number of singles and two EPs, including 2nd EP ‘Get Up’, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group has also charted five songs on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2025, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein began releasing music and performing under the name “NJZ.” They were ordered to stop doing so after ADOR filed a preliminary injunction, and in June, they were each fined $734,000 for “unauthorized activities.”