Newjeans Members Haerin and Hyein to Return to Hybe’s Ador Label

NewJeans Legal Battle Resolved as Haerin and Hyein Return to ADOR Label

Following a lengthy legal battle that spanned nearly all of 2025, HYBE’s chart-topping girl group NewJeans is experiencing a significant shift in its management. The group’s members Haerin and Hyein have decided to return to their original label, ADOR, after discussions with their parents and the label itself.

The decision was announced almost two weeks after a Seoul court ruled on October 30 that the exclusive contracts between NewJeans and HYBE subsidiary’s label ADOR remain valid. This ruling rejected the group’s efforts to terminate agreements that began in the second half of 2024. The court found that ADOR had not breached its duties simply by removing the label’s former CEO, NewJeans creative director Min Hee-jin, and continued with its management work including album, performance, and advertising preparations for the quintet.

Background on the Legal Battle

The legal dispute between NewJeans and HYBE started in late 2024 when the group sought to terminate their contracts. The five members of NewJeans faced significant challenges as they attempted to navigate this complex situation, which included testifying before South Korea’s National Assembly regarding labor rights for contracted entertainers.

Hani, one of the remaining members, testified last year in a discussion on labor rights for contracted entertainers held by the Labour Committee. This testimony highlighted the group’s experiences and concerns with HYBE, adding to the public scrutiny surrounding their contract dispute.

Future Uncertainty

The return of Haerin and Hyein to ADOR marks an important step in NewJeans’ future but leaves questions about the remaining members: Minji, Hanni, and Danielle. Their positions remain unclear at this time, as they continue to navigate their own futures within the K-pop industry.

Haerin and Hyein have already shown their versatility outside of NewJeans, with Haerin named a global ambassador for Dior in 2023 and Hyein serving as a global house ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2022. These roles suggest that the girls are prepared to continue their careers even if they do not return to active music production.

Implications of the Court Ruling

The court’s ruling is expected to have significant implications for NewJeans’ future plans, especially as it pertains to upcoming releases and performances. The remaining members now face the challenge of deciding whether to proceed with their current legal appeal or to collaborate with ADOR moving forward.

Industry insiders suggest that any music decisions from the group in the near future will likely depend on how the remaining members clarify their positions or if they decide to proceed with the appeal process. The outcome of these ongoing developments will undoubtedly shape NewJeans’ trajectory in the highly competitive K-pop landscape.