NewJeans have confirmed that all five members are officially returning to subsidiary record label ADOR, marking the end of nearly a year of tension and speculation about the group’s future. On November 12, reports revealed that members Haerin and Hyein had notified ADOR of their intention to return about a week prior to the public announcement. The news came just before the court appeal deadline of November 13, a move that seemed to align with ADOR’s ongoing legal strategy.
The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began in November 2024 after CEO Min Hee-jin’s dismissal, which led to a breakdown in communication between the group, their management, and ADOR’s parent label HYBE. What started as an internal dispute evolved into one of the most publicized controversies in K-pop, riddled with lawsuits, parental interventions, and leaked statements. Fans had long speculated that the group’s prolonged silence reflected the uncertainty surrounding their contracts and creative control.
Now that the group’s return is official, the mood around it feels complicated. There’s a sense of relief but also unease. The announcement comes across more like a resolution reached behind closed doors than a triumphant comeback. Even the language surrounding their return feels like something is holding the group back, avoiding the celebratory tone typical of major K-pop announcements. For a group once seen as redefining the sound and aesthetic of their generation, the return doesn’t reflect a victory lap.
Min Hee-jin released a statement the following day of the announcement on ADOR’s X account, writing, “I can start anew anywhere, but NewJeans must remain whole as five members. I sincerely hope they become even better NewJeans, and above all, that all members are happy.”
Min was also reported to start her own label and management called OOAK (One of a Kind) back in October. However, NewJeans’ creative future under ADOR remains uncertain. The decision to stay with the label may offer stability, but it also raises questions about whether the same environment that nurtured their rise will still allow them to evolve freely. For now, NewJeans are back in motion, but something about their return feels suspended — less like a homecoming, more like an uneasy continuation.
