SEOUL, South Korea — In the latest NewJeans ADOR update, the K-pop group’s managing agency confirmed changes to the status of three remaining members following a Seoul court ruling that upheld the validity of exclusive contracts with HYBE subsidiary ADOR.
The company said member Hanni has decided to return and remain with the label, Minji is in ongoing discussions, and Danielle’s contract has been terminated.
The announcement, posted across ADOR’s official social media channels on Dec. 29, marks a significant turn in the yearlong dispute over the group’s contractual rights and future.
NewJeans, one of K-pop’s biggest breakout acts in recent years, has been at the center of a legal battle with its label since late 2024.
Four of the five members Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR in early November after a district court on Oct. 30 ruled that the group’s exclusive contracts with the label were valid and enforceable.
The decision ended the group’s attempt to terminate their agreements and set the stage for negotiations with the remaining members.
In its latest NewJeans ADOR update, the agency said it had “engaged in extensive discussions with Minji, Hanni, Danielle and their families following the finalization of the district court’s decision confirming the validity of the exclusive contracts.”
The label reiterated that it was checking whether each member intended to return.
Hanni, a 21‑year‑old born in Melbourne, Australia, concluded after in depth conversations that she would resume her career with ADOR.
Minji, also 21, has not made a final decision and remains in discussions to deepen mutual understanding, the company said.
Danielle, 20, was informed that her exclusive contract would be terminated because ADOR determined it would be difficult for her to continue as both a NewJeans member and ADOR artist.
Industry analysts said the NewJeans ADOR update highlights both the complexities of idol contracts in K-pop and the growing trend of artists seeking greater control over their careers.
“From a legal standpoint, the Seoul court ruling was clear about upholding the validity of the exclusive contracts,” said Kim Ji‑hoon, a Seoul based entertainment lawyer.
“However, the personal and professional interests of individual artists can diverge, resulting in situations like this where contractual enforcement and member willingness do not always align.”
Kim added that ADOR’s decision to terminate Danielle’s contract likely reflects its assessment of long‑term group stability.
“Agencies are under pressure to protect their brand and investment, especially with acts as commercially successful as NewJeans,” he said.
Professor Lee Sun‑young, who teaches popular music studies at Yonsei University, said the dispute and the subsequent NewJeans ADOR update could influence future contract negotiations in the industry.
“Artists and agencies may start to approach contract terms with more caution,” Lee said. “This case has raised questions about artist autonomy and the balance of power in entertainment contracts.”
Exclusive contracts in K‑pop have historically been long and restrictive, often drawing criticism for limiting artist freedom.
A 2023 survey by the Korea Creative Content Agency found that nearly 40 percent of artists felt their contracts gave labels disproportionate control over creative and personal decisions.
Comparatively, other major entertainment markets like the United States and Japan have seen a rise in shorter, more flexible agreements.
In the US, a 2024 Music Business Worldwide report noted that emerging artists increasingly seek distribution deals or partnerships instead of traditional exclusive contracts.
The NewJeans ADOR update comes at a time when several high profile artists in South Korea have publicly questioned contract lengths and terms, prompting calls for reform within the industry.
Despite the legal victory for ADOR, the mixed response from members illustrates the tension between legal authority and personal agency.
Fans of NewJeans expressed mixed reactions to the NewJeans ADOR update on social media platforms.
“I’m glad Hanni is back,” wrote one fan using the handle @jeansforever on Twitter. “But I hope Minji feels comfortable with whatever decision she makes.”
Another fan, @kpopvoice93, said Danielle’s departure was “heartbreaking” and urged the industry to consider mental health in contract disputes.
“These are young artists under immense pressure,” the user wrote. “I want fairness for everyone involved.”
Local music critic Park Min‑kyu, who covers K‑pop for a Seoul daily, said the update reflects deep challenges facing the genre’s global expansion “NewJeans is not just a Korean act the world is watching how these situations are handled.
Fans everywhere care about fairness as much as success.” With Hanni back under the ADOR umbrella and Minji’s situation unresolved, many observers are watching how quickly the group can regroup and resume activities.
Concert promoters and brand partners had postponed several engagements amid the ongoing dispute.
Now, with half the lineup confirmed and one in negotiation, industry insiders say planning for a full group return may begin again if Minji chooses to rejoin.
“Negotiation with Minji’s team will be key in the coming weeks,” said entertainment consultant Jung Ha‑eun. “If she returns, ADOR will likely accelerate promotional efforts.
If not, the company must consider new strategies to maintain NewJeans’ global momentum.” The NewJeans ADOR update underscores the evolving dynamics of artist Label relationships in the K‑pop industry.
With Hanni’s return confirmed, ongoing discussions with Minji and Danielle’s departure, the group faces a pivotal moment that could redefine its future.
As both fans and industry observers await further developments, the broader implications for music contracts and artist autonomy continue to unfold.
