Two NewJeans Members to Return After Legal Dispute

Two members of K-pop group NewJeans, Hyein and Hyerin, will return to their label ADOR after a lengthy legal battle over alleged abuse and manipulation.

sarah

Nov 12, 2025 - 19:59

Two NewJeans Members to Return After Legal Dispute

Two members of Newgenes, Hyein and Hyerin, will return to their record label Adore, the agency has announced. This move has fans wondering if the K-pop group will now disband.

Newgenes has been embroiled in a legal battle with Adore since the five-member group announced last year that they were leaving the agency due to abuse and manipulation. Adore has denied these claims.

Last month, a South Korean court ruled that Newgenes' contract with Adore—which runs until 2029—remains valid. Newgenes said it will appeal.

The dispute has shaken the K-pop industry, where record labels typically exercise strict control over their artists.

Adore is a subsidiary of Hybe, South Korea's largest music label and the producer of chart-topping groups like BTS.

In a statement on X, Adore wrote that Hyein and Hyein have decided to "respect the latest court decision" after "thorough deliberation with their respective families and in-depth discussions with Adore."

The statement reads, "We request the heartfelt support of fans and respectfully urge you not to engage in unfounded speculation about the members."

Plans for the other three members – Hyein, Danielle, and Minzy – are unclear.

Newgens' legal representative declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.

Formed in July 2022, Newgens, whose members range in age from 17 to 21, had a dramatic dispute with their agency in 2024.

The dispute began after the controversial dismissal of Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also Newgens' mentor.

The Newsies then accused Ador of "misconduct" and "deliberate miscommunication and manipulation," and made several demands, including Min's reinstatement.

When these demands were not met, the five members announced their departure from Ador, after which a lawsuit was filed to prevent them from leaving.