Confusion grew rapidly as Minji, Hani, and Danielle announced their intention to return without coordinating with ADOR. According to the official statement released on November 12, the agency clarified that the three members communicated their decision solely through select media outlets and did not engage in any prior discussion with the company.
ADOR stated that they are currently verifying the circumstances and motivations behind the abrupt announcement, emphasizing that the situation was unexpected and left the agency visibly unprepared.
Minji, Hani, and Danielle conveyed their intention to return through select media outlets on the same day, but the core issue centered on the absence of communication with ADOR. The members stated that one of them was currently in Antarctica, which delayed direct discussions, and that they had not received a response from the agency.
As a result, they felt compelled to announce their stance independently. The three members expressed their decision to return through the press without waiting for ADOR’s reply and concluded by emphasizing their commitment to continue delivering sincere music and performances.
Earlier that day, ADOR officially announced the return of Haerin and Hyein. After careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members agreed to respect the court’s ruling and comply with their exclusive contract. Their return was finalized only after sufficient and mutual communication with the agency. In contrast, the unilateral announcement made by Minji, Hani, and Danielle without prior consultation has created significant confusion.
The legal dispute between NewJeans and ADOR began in November of last year, when the group declared independent activities on the grounds that ADOR had violated their exclusive contract. ADOR countered by asserting the contract’s validity and filed a lawsuit in December seeking confirmation of its enforceability.
The agency also submitted a preliminary injunction to prevent the members from pursuing independent activities until the main ruling. In March, the court granted ADOR’s injunction, effectively banning NewJeans from acting independently.
By May, the court approved ADOR’s indirect enforcement request, specifying that any independent activity would result in a fine of 1 billion KRW (750,000 USD) per member for each violation. Mediation efforts in August and September did not succeed, as both sides failed to reach common ground. On October 30, the court issued a full victory for ADOR in the main ruling.
After losing the main lawsuit, the members initially stated that they planned to appeal. With Haerin and Hyein returning through coordinated discussions with ADOR and Minji, Hani, and Danielle separately announcing their intention to return, the prolonged legal conflict now appears closer to resolution. However, because the latter three members released their statement without ADOR’s prior agreement, additional negotiations will likely be required before the situation fully stabilizes.
