NewJeans Reunites with Adore After Year-Long Legal Battle
The popular K-pop girl group NewJeans has reached a critical resolution in their contract disputes with agency Adore. After nearly a year of legal tensions, all five members are now set to continue their careers under the company that launched them to stardom.
According to music industry sources on November 13, four of the five members based in South Korea, along with their guardians, held a crucial meeting with Adore CEO Lee Do-kyung on November 11. The meeting focused on discussing conditions necessary for the artists to rejoin the agency, with one overseas member participating remotely.
Members Gradually Confirm Their Return
The reconciliation process began unfolding publicly when Adore announced the return of members Haerin and Hyein on November 12. This was quickly followed by public declarations from Minji, Hani, and Danielle confirming their intentions to come back to the agency.
The legal standing of Adore's lawsuit against all five members for contract validation will become officially confirmed if no appeal is filed by midnight on November 14. Given the public statements from all members, industry observers expect no appeals will be submitted, finalizing their legal status as Adore artists.
A New Chapter Begins After Long-Standing Tensions
This legal confirmation marks the beginning of a new challenge for Adore: repairing relationships with all five members who must now adapt to working without former head Min Hee-jin. The agency faces the task of rebuilding trust and moving forward productively.
Haerin and Hyein formally declared their decision to respect the court ruling and comply with the exclusive contract after extensive discussions with Adore. Reports indicate that Hyein's father played a significant role in this decision-making process.
Meanwhile, Minji, Hani, and Danielle issued their return intentions through an independent statement after waiting for Adore's response following the November 11 meeting. They expressed concern about fan confusion and urged the agency to promptly communicate its official stance.
Upcoming Discussions and Future Prospects
According to Yonhap News reports, Adore plans to meet again with the members soon for detailed discussions. This gathering is likely scheduled after the appeal deadline passes, possibly in late this week or early next week.
The expected agenda includes topics such as respecting the court ruling and establishing terms similar to those agreed upon by Haerin and Hyein. Music critic Lim Hee-yoon commented that the lawsuit might have taught the members about the significant weight of exclusive contracts, while also sending an important message to the agency about its responsibilities.
As NewJeans prepares to write this new chapter in their career, all eyes will be on how the group and their agency navigate this fresh start and rebuild their working relationship for future success.
