The future remains uncertain for now.
Koreaboo
All five NJZ (formerly known as NewJeans) members have announced plans to return to ADOR, marking roughly a year since they first notified the agency of exclusive contract termination in November. Their decision raises hopes within the industry that NJZ may resume activities. However, uncertainty remains, as the members’ paths back to ADOR have not been uniform.
Haerin and Hyein’s decisions were made after prior discussions with ADOR, while Minji, Danielle, and Hanni notified the agency of their intention to return without any prior consultation. Because of this difference, ADOR’s acceptance of the three members will determine whether NJZ can return as a full group or whether future activities will center only on Haerin and Hyein as a two-member unit.
ADOR officially confirmed Haerin and Hyein’s return on the afternoon of November 12, explaining that the two members had deliberated with their families, held sufficient discussions with the agency, and ultimately chose to respect the court’s ruling and uphold their exclusive contracts. The agency stated it would do its best to support their continued entertainment activities.
Roughly three hours later, Minji, Danielle, and Hanni released their own statement announcing that they, too, had decided to return to ADOR. However, unlike Haerin and Hyein, their announcement was not coordinated with the agency. They explained that one member’s current stay in Antarctica delayed internal communication and said they announced separately because ADOR had not responded.
ADOR has since stated that it is still confirming the sincerity of the three members’ intentions. Internally, the agency is reportedly cautious about accepting their unilateral return announcement, drawing comparisons to when the group unilaterally notified ADOR of contract termination last November. It also cannot be ruled out that further conditions may emerge during discussions.
Industry observers note that the members’ return declarations follow ADOR’s losses in the injunction case regarding agency status and advertising contract restrictions, as well as the first trial over the validity of the exclusive contract, suggesting their return may not have been a voluntary choice. If ADOR ultimately accepts the three members’ return, NJZ could resume activities as a full group. If not, Haerin and Hyein may be the ones to move forward as a duo.
Meanwhile, a return of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin is considered unlikely, as she remains in legal conflicts with HYBE over multiple contractual issues. Should NJZ resume activities in any form, they are expected to do so under the leadership of current ADOR CEO Lee Do Kyung, with their contract running until July 2029.