K-pop powerhouse NewJeans has unveiled a major update on its future after months of legal dispute with its management label ADOR, raising new questions about the group’s full-member comeback.
Made up of Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein, the group entered into a complicated and significant legal dispute with their record label ADOR (a HYBE subsidiary) in 2024.
Subsequently, they went on hiatus while the ongoing legal battle played out in Seoul courts.
Now, it seems the group will be returning- just not as they originally were.
Here’s everything you need to know about NewJeans legal dispute.
Why did NewJeans go on hiatus?
In November 2024, the band announced they were terminating their exclusive contracts with ADOR, citing issues including workplace harassment, broken trust.
ADOR responded by filing a lawsuit and obtained court orders preventing NewJeans from performing commercially outside of their contract. NewJeans expressed their disappointment and announced a hiatus in activities out of respect for the court ruling that prevented them from performing.
What’s going to happen with NewJeans?
On October 30, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the members’ contracts with ADOR remain legally valid and are not terminated.
That decision reaffirmed ADOR’s status as their exclusive management agency through the length of the original agreement (set to expire in 2029), rejecting NewJeans’ claims for early termination.
In December 2025, ADOR announced that some members will return.
Following the news that Haerin and Hyein decided to return to the group’s label, they confirmed that Hanni will return to ADOR, marking a key step toward reviving NewJeans’ group career.
According to an official statement, Minji is still in ongoing talks to rejoin.
Why was Danielle’s NewJeans contract terminated?
The situation took a dramatic turn for Danielle, who has been a central figure in the controversy.
ADOR announced that it has terminated her exclusive contract, stating it would be “difficult” for her to continue as a NewJeans member and ADOR artist going forward.
In their statement, they said that they had “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 move effectively ends her time with the group.
As of now, the future of the band is still unclear as they continue discussions with Minji, but fans are hopeful that they’ll be back soon.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
