As all members of NewJeans announced their intention to return to their agency ADOR, industry insiders are suggesting that ADOR may refuse to accept Minji, Danielle, and Hanni, who reportedly informed the agency of their return without prior consultation.
Legal experts have also analyzed that ADOR has sufficient legal grounds to notify the three members of contract termination.
On November 12, Minji, Danielle, and Hanni expressed their intent to return to ADOR through theor law firm.
What drew attention was ADOR’s lukewarm response that followed. The agency stated that it was “in the process of confirming the members’ true intentions,” which contrasted with its previous stance.
Up to this point, ADOR had repeatedly urged the NewJeans members to return. However, when the members finally expressed their intent, ADOR’s cautious reaction reflected its concern that “it needs to verify whether they truly intend to honor their exclusive contracts.”
Unlike members Haerin and Hyein, the three members reportedly did not have detailed discussions with the agency prior to their announcement.
Within the entertainment industry, there is growing skepticism about whether ADOR will accept all three members back into the group and allow NewJeans to continue activities as a full five-member team.
One industry official said, "The phrase ‘confirming their true intentions’ implies that ADOR doubts the sincerity of the three members,” adding, “It also suggests uncertainty about whether they can resume activities as NewJeans without conflict.”
Another industry insider commented, “The behavior Minji and Hanni displayed during the emergency press conference and the National Assembly hearing likely had a very negative impact on their trust with ADOR. It’s uncertain whether ADOR will accept their unilateral declaration to return without sufficient discussion.”
Legal professionals believe ADOR is on solid legal footing if it chooses to terminate the exclusive contracts of the three members.
Although the NewJeans members themselves had previously sought to terminate their contracts, the issue now is that the court determined responsibility lies with the members, not with ADOR.
If ADOR proceeds with termination on that basis, the members could face significant financial liability for damages.
Given NewJeans’ immense popularity before the dispute, the compensation amount could be astronomical.
Attorney Noh Jong-eon, head lawyer at Hanil Law Firm, explained: “The meaning of the first trial ruling that confirmed the validity of the exclusive contracts is not that ‘the contracts must be maintained,’ but that the responsibility lies with the members, not ADOR. Based on that, ADOR could legally notify the members of contract termination.”
Attorney Jang Sung-soo of The All Law Firm added: “The members’ previous actions may have caused the breakdown of trust. It’s quite possible that ADOR will refuse to take back all three of them.”
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