NewJeans Decides to Return to ADOR After Yearlong Legal Battle; Exclusive Contract Extended Until 2029

The group NewJeans has decided to officially return to ADOR by abandoning its appeal following a loss in the lawsuit over the termination of its exclusive contract, which it unilaterally declared last November. The five members failed to submit an appeal by midnight on the 13th—the deadline for appeals—resulting in the practical end of the legal dispute that had lasted over a year. The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began on November 29 of last year when the members held an emergency press conference, stating that “trust with ADOR has completely collapsed” and announcing the termination of their exclusive contract. Afterward, they revealed a new team name, “NJZ,” instead of their previous stage names, and pursued independent activities such as overseas performances and new song releases. In September, they reiterated their firm stance through a YouTube live broadcast, saying, “We cannot return to ADOR unless former CEO Min Hee-jin returns.” ADOR filed a lawsuit arguing that the exclusive contract remained valid. On the 30th of last month, the Civil Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court dismissed all 11 reasons for contract termination cited by NewJeans in the first-instance ruling, determining that ADOR had “fulfilled most of its important obligations under the contract.” The court rejected the members’ claim of “collapsed trust” and noted that their allegations were “difficult to consider as facts.” NewJeans’ decision to drop the appeal was driven by practical considerations. Industry analysis suggests that there was little chance the court’s decision would be overturned on appeal, and the potential financial burden of up to 600 billion won if ADOR filed a lawsuit for damages also played a role. Haerin and Hyein announced their official return through ADOR on the afternoon of the 12th, stating that they respected the court’s decision. Minji, Haerin, and Danielle also sent text messages to reporters that same afternoon, saying they had decided to return to ADOR after careful consideration. Through lawyers from law firm Hanil, they explained, “One member is currently in Antarctica, which delayed communication. Since ADOR has not responded, we had no choice but to issue a separate statement.” The exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR remains valid until July 31, 2029. ADOR has already completed preparations for NewJeans’ new album and is expected to begin working on it once the members’ return procedures are finalized. Currently, ADOR is led by Lee Do-kyung, who formerly worked at HYBE. Meanwhile, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin established a new agency called ooak after leaving ADOR. It appears unlikely that Min will be involved in NewJeans’ new album. As of now, Min and HYBE are engaged in a lawsuit over put options related to ADOR’s shares, with industry estimates suggesting the value at stake is 26 billion won.