NewJeans members Haerin and Hye-in have officially announced they will return to ADOR, and Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle also expressed their intention to return. But there is a clear difference in tone. Haerin and Hye-in's return is "welcome," whereas Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle's "notification" is being treated as "intent being confirmed."
On the 12th, about a year after they held a press conference last November claiming termination of their exclusive contracts due to ADOR's breach of contract, two NewJeans members, Haerin and Hye-in, officially announced they will return to ADOR.
"NewJeans members Haerin and Hye-in have expressed their intention to continue activities with ADOR. After careful consideration with their families and sufficient discussion with ADOR, the two members decided to respect the court's ruling and comply with the exclusive contract. ADOR will do its best to ensure Haerin and Hye-in can continue their entertainment activities smoothly. We ask fans for their warm support and politely request that unfounded speculation about the members be restrained."
NewJeans, who debuted in 2022, had their activities stalled last August when HYBE dismissed former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin on charges including takeover of management rights and breach of duty. NewJeans, which demanded the return of former representative Min Hee-jin, claimed their contract was terminated due to ADOR's breach of the exclusive contract, but ADOR maintained its contract with NewJeans was still valid and the legal dispute continued.
ADOR filed a suit last December seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract with NewJeans, and last month the court ruled "the exclusive contract is still valid," siding with ADOR.
About 10 days after the court's ruling, Haerin and Hye-in decided to return to ADOR. It was about a year since they claimed termination of the exclusive contract and "notified" ADOR, and because it directly contradicted the earlier indication that all five members would appeal after the ruling, the music industry was stirred.
About two hours after the official announcement of Haerin and Hye-in's return, the remaining three members, Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle, also conveyed their intention to return to ADOR. More precisely, it was a "notification"—they separately announced their position because they had not received a reply while ADOR had not agreed.
"Hello, this is Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle. After careful discussion, we have decided to return to ADOR. One member is currently in Antarctica, so the message was delayed, and because ADOR has not replied, we were forced to announce our position separately. We will continue to meet you with sincere music and performances. Thank you."
ADOR is taking a cautious stance regarding the return of Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle. ADOR said, "We are confirming the true intent regarding the three members' intention to return." This is interpreted to mean the three members' intention to return was a "notification" and a unilateral announcement, not a "consultation" or "agreement."
The contrasting tones have raised questions about NewJeans as a complete group. With two members (Haerin and Hye-in) currently returned, the three members (Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle) must have their "intent" confirmed and be "consulted" with ADOR before a return is possible. It should be understood that returning does not happen simply by "notifying" as they once claimed termination of the exclusive contract and "notified."
If all five members return, what will NewJeans' future activity plans be? Specific activity plans have not been disclosed, but ADOR previously said it was preparing NewJeans' new songs in anticipation of the members' return, and it is known that a list of new songs for NewJeans was submitted in court.
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