[Baek Ji-eun from Sports Chosun] The group NewJeans will return to ADOR.
On the 12th, ADOR stated, “Hae-rin and Hye-in expressed their intent to continue their activities with ADOR. After careful consideration with their families and thorough discussion with ADOR, they have decided to respect the court’s verdict and adhere to their exclusive contracts. We will do our best to ensure Hae-rin and Hye-in can continue their entertainment activities smoothly.”
Following this, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle also expressed their intention to return. The three members stated, “After careful deliberation, we’ve decided to return to ADOR. As one member is currently in Antarctica, the announcement was delayed, and we’ve had to notify separately due to not receiving a response from ADOR. We will continue to present sincere music and performances.”
Regarding this, ADOR mentioned they are “confirming the sincerity of their intent to return,” but considering their previous statements expressing hope for NewJeans’ return, there seems to be no reason to reject the return of the three members. Thus, the return of all NewJeans members to ADOR has been decided.
This raises the question of whether the relationship between NewJeans and Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR representative, has completely ended.
Since Min’s removal from the representative position at ADOR last year, NewJeans consistently demanded her return. In subsequent injunctions to prevent contracts and the lawsuit confirming the validity of their exclusive contract, NewJeans made it clear that the removal of Min was the main reason for their broken trust and that there would be no return without her.
As the members return to ADOR, speculation arises that Min might also rejoin ADOR. However, since Min is currently embroiled in a massive lawsuit with ADOR and HYBE and established a new entertainment agency, OK, on the 24th of last month, opinions are inclined toward the difficulty of her return to ADOR.
Last year, ADOR reappointed Min as an in-house director and proposed to involve her in NewJeans’ production, but after the members’ departure, as they prepared a new album, they moved on from Min. Instead, ADOR reportedly has been in contact with major producers, including Grammy Award-winning composers, to prepare NewJeans’ first full album.