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Following last month's news that NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein decided to return to the group's label after a court ruling that the K-pop group's contracts with HYBE record label ADOR are valid, the agency shared an update on the remaining three members.
Posted across its official social media channels in Korean, ADOR shared that the label has "engaged in extensive discussions with Minji, Hanni, Danielle and their families following the finalization of the district court's decision confirming the validity of the exclusive contracts" referring to a Seoul court's October 30th ruling that ADOR's exclusive contracts with NewJeans remain valid and rejecting the act's year-long attempt to terminate the agreements.
Despite independent reports that the remaining three NewJeans members had returned to ADOR and intended to continue with the group, ADOR's official stance was always that "We are checking whether the three members intend to return," as shared by its global communications representatives.
Early on December 29 local time in Korea, ADOR first shared an update on Hanni, noting that after the parties "held in-depth, extended conversations," the 21-year-old Melbourne native decided to stay with the HYBE label.
While Hanni was following in Haerin and Hyein's footsteps, the future of the remaining two members was not as clear.
ADOR shared that the eldest member, Minji, is "in ongoing conversations with ADOR, continuing discussions to foster greater mutual understanding" with an update on the 21-year-old expected in due time.
When it came to final member Danielle, 20, ADOR shared that it was "determined that it would be difficult for her to continue as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist, the company notified her today of the termination of her exclusive contract."
The statement continued, "Additionally, the company intends to pursue legal accountability against one member of Danielle's family and former CEO Min Hee-jin, who bear significant responsibility for causing this dispute and for the delays in NewJeans' departure and return."
Speaking more generally about the situation at large, ADOR continued that "Through these conversations, ADOR came to understand that the members had been exposed to persistently distorted and biased information over a long period, leading to significant misunderstandings about the company and ultimately escalating into this dispute. The company and the artists share the view that, to regain the love of fans and the public, it is necessary to fully resolve these misunderstandings based on accurate facts, even if it takes some time. Furthermore, they have agreed to address the various controversies that arose during the dispute at a later opportunity and discussions on the timing and method are currently underway."
The statement concluded by sharing that "ADOR will do its utmost to resolve this matter amicably and ensure that NewJeans can return to fans' side as soon as possible."
Whether that means NewJeans will return as a three-, four-, or five-member group is still to be seen, following ongoing discussions and the addressing of the previously mentioned controversies. The Forbes 30 Under 30 - Asia honorees have not released new music since Supernatural in the summer of 2024.
Read a translated version of the full notice below (with translations provided via Soompi):
[NOTICE] Following the court's final ruling in the lawsuit confirming the validity of the exclusive contracts, ADOR has held extensive discussions with Minji, Hanni, Danielle, and the families of the three members.
Hanni visited Korea with her family and engaged in long, in-depth conversations with ADOR. In the process, we revisited past events and took time to view matters objectively. After candid talks, Hanni decided to respect the court's ruling and continue with ADOR.
Minji is also in talks with ADOR, and discussions are ongoing to broaden mutual understanding.
In Danielle's case, we determined that it would be difficult to continue together as a NewJeans member and an ADOR artist, and today we notified her of the termination of her exclusive contract. In addition, we plan to pursue legal accountability for one member of Danielle’s family and former CEO Min Hee Jin, who bear significant responsibility for precipitating this dispute and for NewJeans’ departure and delayed return.
Through these conversations, ADOR learned that, over a long period, the members had been continuously exposed to distorted and biased information, which led to many misunderstandings about the company and ultimately to this dispute. The company and the artists agree that, to regain the love of fans and the public, it is necessary—even if it takes some time—to fully dispel these misunderstandings based on accurate facts. We have also agreed to find an opportunity to address the various controversies that arose during the dispute and are discussing the timing and manner.
ADOR will do its utmost to bring this matter to an amicable conclusion and to ensure that NewJeans can return to fans as soon as possible.
The NewJeans Effect on HYBE Stock
Following the late-October news of a court victory in their NewJeans conflict, HYBE saw its stock jump over 5% the following day on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and reach its highest price point of the year in early November. After news of NewJeans' Haerin and Hyein returning to ADOR in late November, HYBE once again saw its shares rise close to 5% the following day.
HYBE's stock is up nearly 63% year-to-date amid the NewJeans' conflict.