All Five Members of NewJeans to Return to Label Ador After Months of Legal Turmoil

All five members of the hit K-pop group NewJeans are preparing to return to their label Ador, ending months of speculation about the group’s future following a highly publicized legal battle. The announcement came after three members, Hanni, Danielle, and Minji, issued a joint statement confirming they would rejoin the agency, following earlier news that Hyein and Haerin had already agreed to return.

The group’s future had been uncertain after Ador initially stated that only two members would be returning, prompting widespread concern among fans that the five-member act could be headed for a split. Ador has not yet released a formal response confirming that all members will now be resuming activities under the label, but the artists’ statements have brought renewed hope to their global fan base.

NewJeans has been locked in a legal dispute with Ador since 2024, when the members announced they were leaving the label, citing mistreatment and manipulation. The agency strongly denied those allegations, and the case quickly became one of the most closely watched controversies in the K-pop industry.

Last month, a South Korean court ruled that the group’s contract with Ador, which runs through 2029, remains legally valid. The ruling effectively prevented the members from terminating their agreement. At the time, NewJeans said they would appeal the decision.

The dispute took on added weight because Ador is a subsidiary of Hybe Corporation, South Korea’s largest entertainment company and the parent label of global superstars BTS. Industry observers said the conflict highlighted growing tensions between artists and management in an industry long criticized for restrictive contracts and strict creative control.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ador said that Hyein and Haerin had decided to “respect the court’s latest ruling” after discussing the matter with their families and the company. The label urged fans to support the group and avoid spreading unverified speculation about the members’ personal decisions.

Hours later, Hanni, Danielle, and Minji released their own joint statement confirming they too would return to Ador after “careful discussion.” They explained that their announcement had been delayed because one of the members was currently abroad, adding that the label had not yet responded to their decision. “We wanted to share this directly with fans,” their message said. “We will continue greeting you with sincere music and performances.”

NewJeans’ legal representatives declined to comment further when contacted by the BBC.

Formed in July 2022, NewJeans quickly rose to global fame with their distinctive Y2K-inspired sound and fashion, becoming one of the most successful fourth-generation K-pop girl groups. The rift with Ador began after the controversial dismissal of the label’s CEO, Min Hee-jin, who had served as the group’s mentor and creative director. The members accused the company of mistreatment and deliberate miscommunication, demanding Min’s reinstatement. When those demands were rejected, they announced their intention to leave the agency, prompting Ador’s legal action to block their exit.

Now, with all five members set to return, fans are hopeful that NewJeans can move past the turmoil and refocus on music. Whether this reconciliation brings lasting peace to the group and its management remains to be seen, but for now, their comeback marks a rare resolution in an industry known for its tightly controlled stars and fragile alliances.