Yesterday, after a year-long contract dispute, all New Jeans members announced their intention to return to Adore. We've compiled the entire New Jeans situation, from the first trial ruling in the exclusive contract lawsuit, to the timeline for the five members' return, the context of the Adore-Hive dispute, and even the "Antarctic" mentioned in the statement.

 

1. Where did the New Jeans incident begin?

 

The starting point of the New Jeans situation was an emergency press conference on November 28, 2024. It was reported that the New Jeans members notified Adore that their contracts would be automatically terminated at midnight on November 29, stating that "Adore did not fulfill their obligations under the exclusive contract." This was also an extension of the ongoing management dispute between Min Hee-jin and HYBE.

 

Former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin clashed with Hive over Adore's shares and management rights, and resigned as CEO after undergoing audit and dismissal procedures. Afterwards, New Jeans (members and parents) Min Hee-jin's dismissal, rookie group ILLIT's plagiarism controversy, leaked trainee videos, PR issues, etc. They attempted to terminate the exclusive contract, saying, “trust has been broken.”

 

Accordingly, Adore filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract with the Seoul Central District Court in December 2024, and also filed an injunction to prevent the members' independent activities until the main decision, and the legal battle began in earnest.

 

 

2. What were the issues in the 'New Jeans vs. Adore' case as viewed by the court?

① Injunction: Prohibition of independent activities + indirect enforcement

In March 2025, the court fully accepted the injunction requested by Adore, ruling that "New Jeans members cannot independently engage in entertainment activities without Adore's consent until the first trial ruling on the main case." The court rejected all of New Jeans' arguments for contract termination (Min Hee-jin's dismissal, plagiarism of Ailrit, the "ignore" comment, and the advertising and PR controversy).

 

In May, an additional ruling was issued stating, "If a member violates the injunction and engages in independent activities, an indirect fine of 1 billion won per person will be imposed." The court cited New Jeans' case of performing overseas concerts under a new group name as evidence of the "risk of infringement of the injunction."

 

② Main Case, First Trial: Exclusive Contract Valid, Adore Wins

On October 30, 2025, the 41st Civil Agreement Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Adore in a lawsuit filed by Adore to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, stating that “the exclusive contract is valid.”

 

There are three main points raised by the court.

1) Min Hee-jin's dismissal was not a breach of contract.	There is no obligation to ‘maintain the position of CEO’ in the exclusive contract, and even after dismissal Although he was able to produce, he refused the offers. It was eventually acknowledged that he had resigned.
2) Hive and Adore's breach of duty of care is not recognized.	Allegations of plagiarism by Illit, controversy over foul language, leak of trainee videos, etc. It is difficult to determine 'illegal' based on data alone, and the company also I think the necessary measures have been taken.
3) Confirmation of Min Hee-jin's 'attempt at independence'	The verdict states that Min Hee-jin was in charge of New Jeans and Adore at Hive. Circumstances suggesting an attempt at separation (public opinion campaign, contact with investors, persuading parents, etc.) This is clearly stated.

 

As a result, the court “It is difficult to see that Adore violated the important obligations of the exclusive contract, The court also ruled that the “breakdown of trust” claimed by New Jeans was not proven. This ruling significantly swayed public opinion. Initially, support for Newzin was strong, but as the details of the ruling became known, more and more people began to express concerns that "the facts were different than expected."

 

 

3. November 12, 2025, New Jeans Power Door Return Timeline

After the first trial's verdict, New Jeans immediately announced their intention to appeal, stating, "We respect the court's decision, but it is impossible for us to return to Adore and resume normal activities." However, on the 12th, the day before the appeal deadline (midnight on November 13th), the situation changed dramatically.

① Around 5 PM – Haerin and Hyein officially announce their return through Adore.

 

At this point, the legal framework opened up for some New Jeans members to resume activities under Adore. If the remaining members continued to bicker, the group could retain the "New Jeans" name and be replaced by other members. The industry considered this crucial point crucial.

 

② After about 2-3 hours – Minji, Hani, and Daniel express their intention to return to a separate window.

Afterwards, Minji, Hani, and Daniel released separate statements through a law firm rather than through Adore.

 

 

Adore only stated that they were “confirming the sincerity” of the three members’ positions, and did not immediately make an “official declaration of the full group’s return.” Because of this, fans “Is it right to return to full power?” “It seems like a statement was made without any coordination with the company.” “I don’t know if I should start with congratulations.” I'm having the same confused reaction.

 

③ Why was it decided to ‘return to full power’ so hastily?

From a legal and industry perspective, there are three factors that led to the members' return to Adore.

 

1) The validity of the exclusive contract was confirmed in the first trial of the court. 2) Risk of indirect enforcement of 1 billion won per reader activity (sanctions in case of violation) 3) Possibility of future damages lawsuits and image/career risks

 

With Hae-rin and Hye-in first reaching an agreement with Adore and officially announcing their return, the remaining three are now in a situation where they can no longer take "collective action." Contrary to their message of "We will fight to the end," the time has come for them to make a realistic choice.

 

The remaining two steps are as follows: .

▪️ Is the first trial decision confirmed without actually filing an appeal?

▪️ How will Adore officially announce the return of the full five-member group and their future plans?

 

4. What does this ruling mean for the Adore-Hive relationship?

 

This situation is ultimately Management rights dispute → exclusive contract dispute → return to Adore It ended up in this flow.

 

There was only one key. The contract was stronger than the brand .

 

The court is more concerned with Newzin's IP or public opinion. With a system of shares, contracts, and exclusive rights Adore and Hive raised their hands, The circumstances surrounding Min Hee-jin's 'attempt at independence' were also clearly pointed out in the verdict. As a result, the image of 'fighting for New Jeans' has lost its power, The whole situation An extension of the management rights dispute was recognized as On the other hand, there are controversies such as the plagiarism controversy of Eyelet and internal remarks. Adore Hive's claims of breach of duty of care have rarely been upheld in law.

 

Ultimately, New Jeans took into account the risks of contracts and litigation. So I decided to go back to Adore again. In this process, three members have been hastily uploaded The sentence “One member is in Antarctica…” Symbolizes the overall confusion of the situation It was left as one line.

 

 

 

In short, this incident is closer to a 'reset' than a reconciliation.
K-POP is not about emotions The reality of operating on contracts and systems This case is more clearly revealed is rated as

 

 

+ Added Min Hee-jin's statement (11/13)

 

FAQ

Q1. Is New Jeans currently affiliated with Adore?
A. Yes. As the exclusive contract has been ruled valid, the legal affiliation is with Adore, and all five members have expressed their intention to return.

However, the company only stated that they were “confirming the truth” regarding the three members (Minzy, Hani, and Daniel).

 

Q2. Are there any sanctions for independent activities?
A. Yes. If you operate without the consent of the owner, according to the currently valid injunction decision,

An indirect fine of 1 billion won is imposed per instance.

 

Q3. Who is the 'member in Antarctica' mentioned in the statement?
A. It has not been officially released.

The statement simply states, “One member was late due to an Antarctic schedule.”

 

Q4. Has New Jeans' comeback date been decided?
A. There is no official schedule released yet. However, Adore has stated that “they have finished preparing a full-length album.”

As it was revealed in court, there is speculation that an announcement is imminent.

 

Q5. What does this situation mean for the K-pop industry?
A. The exclusive contract, share structure, and legal judgment take precedence over the artist's public opinion.

This incident is evaluated as confirming that the industrial structure prioritizes systems over emotions.

 

 

 

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