All five NewJeans members have returned to Ador after forgoing an appeal against a court ruling upholding their exclusive contracts. Former CEO Min Hee-jin expressed respect for their decision and stressed the group's unity. Questions linger over the group's future without Min's creative influence.
All five NewJeans members—Haerin, Hyein, Minji, Danielle, and Hanni—did not file an appeal by the midnight deadline on November 14, 2025, finalizing the Seoul Central District Court's ruling that upheld their exclusive contracts with Ador. The group had clashed with the agency since Min Hee-jin's dismissal as CEO in August 2024, announcing contract termination in November 2024 and sparking legal disputes. Ador announced Haerin and Hyein's return on November 12, followed by statements from Minji, Hanni, and Danielle through legal representatives.
In a statement on November 13, Min Hee-jin said, "The decision the members made yesterday to return together must have come after deep thought and discussion. I respect and support that choice." She added, "Under any circumstances, NewJeans must remain whole as five members," emphasizing that her legal battle with HYBE is unrelated to the group and wishing for their growth and happiness.
NewJeans rose to prominence in 2022 under Min's direction, blending retro, hip-hop, and trot into a fresh K-pop identity, with her overseeing music, choreography, fashion, and promotion. After her departure, Ador appointed Kim Joo-young as CEO in August 2025 before replacing her with Lee Do-kyung, and most of Min's creative team is expected to be replaced. Hitchhiker, a former SM Entertainment musician who joined HYBE in 2023, is a likely new producer.
Internal disagreements surfaced during the dispute, with Hyein's father persuading Haerin's family to negotiate first, while the other three announced separately. Fan divisions have emerged, labeled as "2-Jins" and "3-Jins." Ador is arranging individual meetings with members to rebuild trust. Music critic Kim Do-heon noted, "No matter who takes over, NewJeans will inevitably differ from what they were before," warning that satisfying the existing fan base will be challenging. HYBE's stock surged on the news, with analysts predicting 6-7 billion won ($4.1-4.8 million) in operating profit from a late-2025 comeback, rising to 20-30 billion won annually from 2027.