NewJeans' Haerin and Hyein Announce Return to ADOR; Minji, Hanni, and Danielle Follow Suit with 'Notification,' Sparking Mixed Reactions

Following the official announcement of NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein's return to their agency ADOR, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle have also expressed their intention to rejoin.

However, a notable difference in approach is evident. While Haerin and Hyein's return was seemingly a result of extensive discussion and agreement with ADOR, the information regarding Minji, Hanni, and Danielle's comeback was reportedly conveyed as a 'notification,' prompting ADOR to currently ascertain their true intentions.

This development comes about a year after the initial conflict erupted in November last year, when former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin claimed termination of exclusive contracts due to alleged breaches by ADOR. On the 12th, Haerin and Hyein officially declared their commitment to continue activities with ADOR.

ADOR stated, "Both members, after careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, have decided to respect the court's ruling and adhere to their exclusive contracts. We will do our best to support Haerin and Hyein's seamless artistic activities. We kindly request warm support from our fans and ask for restraint from speculation regarding the members."

NewJeans, who debuted in 2022, faced a pause in their activities last August when HYBE initiated the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin over allegations of management rights usurpation and embezzlement.

At the time, Min Hee-jin's side claimed the exclusive contracts were terminated due to ADOR's breaches, while ADOR maintained the contracts were valid, leading to a legal dispute.

ADOR subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contracts with NewJeans. Last month, the court ruled in favor of ADOR, stating, "The exclusive contracts remain valid."

Approximately ten days after the court's decision, Haerin and Hyein's decision to return created a stir in the music industry, as it directly contrasted with their previous assertion of contract termination and the subsequent announcement by all five members that they intended to appeal.

Just about two hours after Haerin and Hyein's return announcement, the remaining three members, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, also conveyed their intent to return to ADOR. Specifically, this was framed as a 'notification,' with the members stating they had to inform the public separately due to a lack of response from ADOR and without prior consultation.

"Hello, this is Minji, Hanni, and Danielle. After careful consideration, we have decided to return to ADOR. Due to one member currently being in Antarctica, the delivery was delayed, and as we have not received a response from ADOR, we are inevitably informing you of our position separately. We will continue to meet you with sincere music and performances. Thank you," the statement read.

Regarding Minji, Hanni, and Danielle's return, ADOR has adopted a cautious stance. An ADOR representative stated, "We are currently verifying the intentions behind the three members' desire to return." This is understood to be because their intention to return was communicated as a 'notification' and announced independently, rather than through 'consultation' or 'agreement' with ADOR.

The contrasting approaches to the members' return have heightened curiosity about NewJeans' future as a full group. While two members (Haerin and Hyein) have declared their return, the reintegration of the other three (Minji, Hanni, and Danielle) depends on clarifying their 'intentions' and reaching an 'agreement' with ADOR.

This suggests that a mere 'notification,' as previously done when asserting contract termination, is not sufficient for a return. If all five members eventually reunite, attention will turn to NewJeans' future activities. Although specific plans have not been revealed, ADOR previously announced that they were preparing new songs in anticipation of the members' return, and reportedly submitted a list of potential new songs for NewJeans during the legal proceedings.

Fans are reacting with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Comments include, 'Finally, can we see the full group again?', 'Congratulations to Haerin and Hyein on their return! Supporting Minji, Hanni, and Danielle's stance as well. Whatever the decision, we'll cheer them on!', and 'Hoping the truth comes out and all the members find happiness.'