NJZ’s (NewJeans) Return To ADOR: Everything You Might Have Missed
NewJeans‘ (NJZ) legal counsel previously stated that NJZ would appeal the ruling made in favor of ADOR, but no appeal was filed, and the group is now planning to return to ADOR. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of everything that has happened since the news broke.
1. The Announcements
The group’s return to ADOR began with the November 12th announcement that two members, Haerin and Hyein, had decided to continue their entertainment activities with the agency. In a statement, ADOR wrote, “After careful consideration with their families and lengthy discussions with the agency, the two members have decided to respect the court’s ruling and follow their exclusive contract.”
According to a report by NewDaily, Hyein’s father played a large part in Hyein and Haerin’s return to ADOR. He was reportedly the only parent who had opposed terminating the group’s contract with ADOR.
Shortly after this news, Yonhap News shared a tweet saying that Danielle, Minji, and Hanni had also returned to ADOR. While Haerin and Hyein’s return has largely been met with positivity, the public seems to be far less welcoming toward the other three members.
Hello, this is Minji, Hanni, and Danielle.
Recently, after careful considerations, we have decided to return to ADOR. One of us is currently in Antarctica so the delivery of our stance was delayed, but since ADOR has not stated anything, we have been forced to share our position separately.
We will continue to show you our sincere music and performances.
Thank you.
— NJZ’s Minji, Hanni, and Danielle
2. Speculation And Criticism
Before news broke that all five members would return to ADOR, Hanni’s past comments that NJZ must be five members sparked skepticism about Haerin and Hyein’s return. In an interview, Hanni once said, “Have to be all 5 of us that agree to do it.”
“We always say to each other, if one person doesn’t want to do it then we are not gonna do it. Have to be all 5 of us that agrees to do it.”
literally my number 1 reason to why I don't believe ts get out pic.twitter.com/948iYvdjS4
— cookie (@cookieggom) November 12, 2025
Before Minji, Danielle, and Hanni’s return was announced, a report from Newsen claimed that ADOR still had hopes that all three would return as well. In response to this report, Korean netizens left scathing comments, not wanting Minji, Danielle, and Hanni to return. The statement Minji, Hanni, and Danielle released also received backlash, with some netizens calling the members out for blaming ADOR.
3. ADOR’s Statement
ADOR released their first statement after Minji, Danielle, and Hanni‘s announcement that the three of them intend to return to the agency. The agency expressed its doubts, telling news outlet Ilgan Sports that they are looking into Minji, Danielle, and Hanni’s “real intentions.”
We are currently looking into the real intentions of the three members’ statement to return.
— ADOR
4. Min Hee Jin
Though former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has not been mentioned in the statements released by ADOR or NJZ, there is now speculation that she could be returning to her former position. This speculation has not been confirmed, however, and Min is currently setting up a new company.
5. NJZ vs. HYBE Idols
NJZ’s return announcement has been met with ire from some netizens, who believe the group should apologize to the HYBE groups who were implicated during the feud between NJZ and HYBE/ADOR. In particular, this includes ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM. Some claim that major damage was done to ILLIT, who were drawn into the feud due to allegations of copying NewJeans’ concept and claims that ILLIT had been told to ignore Hanni.
During her first news conference, Min claimed that NJZ had been pushed to the side for LE SSERAFIM’s debut.
Stay tuned for updates.
