All five members of the global K-pop sensation NewJeans are returning to their original agency, ADOR. The decision concludes a lengthy and public legal dispute over their exclusive contracts. The announcement was made official on Tuesday, bringing relief to fans worldwide.
The Seoul-based label confirmed the members' intention to resume activities under ADOR after careful consideration. According to The Korea Times, this move ends one of the most watched conflicts in the K-pop industry this year. It signals a potential stabilization of the group's management and future projects.
The dispute began in late 2024 when NewJeans filed to terminate their contracts with ADOR. They cited issues with management and a breakdown of trust. ADOR subsequently filed a lawsuit to affirm the validity of the existing exclusive contracts.
In March, a Seoul court ruled in ADOR's favor. The injunction prevented the group from signing with or promoting under any other label. Billboard reported that the court later reaffirmed the contracts are legally binding through their original 2029 term.
Members Haerin and Hyein were the first to publicly confirm their return. They stated the decision was made after deep discussions with their families. The Korea Times noted they also expressed a desire to respect the court's final decision.
Minji, Hanni, and Danielle then issued a joint statement confirming their return. "After careful discussion, we have decided to return," they said, according to Rolling Stone. The group mentioned one member was overseas, which caused a brief delay in formalizing the decision with the agency.
The full reunion allows ADOR to reassemble the team behind one of K-pop's most rapid global ascents. Industry analysts suggest this decision is crucial for stabilizing NewJeans' long-term career trajectory. It also helps rebuild public and investor confidence after months of uncertainty.
ADOR is now expected to swiftly plan the group's first musical comeback since the conflict began. Internal discussions are already underway for new recordings and performance schedules, music industry sources told Billboard. Fans are eagerly anticipating the resumption of international promotions that were paused.
For the dedicated fanbase, known as Bunnies, the news is a moment of celebration. Many took to social media to express their joy at the prospect of seeing the complete group perform together again. This resolution closes a difficult chapter and allows NewJeans to focus on creating new music and reconnecting with their global audience.
The resolution of the NewJeans contract dispute marks a new beginning for the acclaimed group. Their return to ADOR provides a clear path forward for their musical endeavors. This reunion solidifies their position as a unified force in the global music scene.
The Korea Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, BBC News.