All five members of the popular K-pop girl group NewJeans have confirmed their decision to return to their record label, Ador. This announcement follows the conclusion of a legal battle where the group sought to terminate their exclusive contract with the Seoul-based agency. The members cited alleged mistreatment and harassment as reasons for their initial attempt to leave.
The decision marks a significant development for one of the world's top-selling K-pop acts, known for their unique blend of pop and R&B music. The group's return to Ador comes after a South Korean court ruled in favor of the label, upholding the validity of their exclusive contract.
Key Takeaways
- NewJeans members will return to Ador, their record label.
- This follows a lost legal battle to terminate their exclusive contract.
- The group initially cited mistreatment and harassment allegations.
- A court ruled in Ador's favor, upholding the contract's validity.
- Ador has pledged full support for the group's continued artistic endeavors.
The Legal Battle and Court's Decision
Last year, NewJeans publicly announced their intention to separate from Ador. They pointed to the agency's alleged failure to protect its members, particularly after the dismissal of Min Hee-jin, Ador's former chief executive and the group's mentor. Ador consistently denied these allegations.
The legal dispute escalated, culminating in a South Korean court ruling last month. The court rejected NewJeans' arguments, stating that the exclusive contract with Ador remains valid. The ruling clarified that Min Hee-jin's position as CEO was not a specific contractual obligation within the group's agreement with Ador.
Fact Check
- NewJeans debuted in 2022.
- Billboard named them "one of the most recognized and most influential groups in pop" in 2023.
- They hold a Guinness World Record for the fastest K-pop act to reach 1 billion Spotify streams.
Members Confirm Return to Ador
The announcement of the group's return came in separate statements on Wednesday. Haerin and Hyein were the first to confirm their decision. Subsequently, the remaining three members, Danielle, Minji, and Hanni, also affirmed their return to the label. This information was reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
Ador, based in Seoul, confirmed the return of Haerin and Hyein. The agency also stated it was in the process of confirming the return of the other three members.
"Ador is committed to providing its full support to Haerin and Hyein to ensure the seamless continuation of their artistic endeavors," the label stated. "We request the warm support from the fans and respectfully urge you to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members."
Shortly after Ador's statement, Danielle, Minji, and Hanni issued their own statement, confirming their return after what they described as "prudent consultations." They noted a slight delay in their announcement due to one member's location.
"One member is currently in Antarctica, and thus our stance was delivered late," their statement read. "As Ador is currently not responding, we are notifying it individually."
Previous Actions and Group's Stance
The legal proceedings saw NewJeans take significant steps to assert their independence. In March, the group announced a pause on all independent activities under a new name, "NJZ," during a concert in Hong Kong. This decision surprised many global fans and supporters.
The announcement of independent activities followed an earlier ruling by a Seoul court. That court had granted an injunction filed by Ador against the group's independent activities, effectively halting their plans.
Background
NewJeans quickly rose to global fame after their debut in 2022. Their unique sound and strong visual concepts resonated with audiences worldwide. The group's success includes breaking a Guinness World Record for achieving 1 billion streams on Spotify faster than any other K-pop act, surpassing established groups like BTS and Blackpink.
Despite the court rulings, the members of NewJeans had previously expressed no regrets about their decision to challenge Ador. They maintained that they needed to "speak up to protect the values" they believed in. After the court ruling in late October that upheld their exclusive contract, the group had even indicated plans to appeal immediately.
At that time, the group had expressed concerns about the feasibility of returning to Ador under the existing circumstances, citing a complete breakdown of trust between the parties.
"It is impossible to return to Ador and continue normal entertainment activities under the current circumstances, where trust between the parties has completely broken down," the group had stated.
However, the recent statements confirm a change in their position, indicating a path forward with Ador. Fans now await further details on the group's future activities and how the relationship between NewJeans and their label will evolve after this prolonged legal dispute.
Looking Ahead for NewJeans and Ador
With all five members now confirming their return, the focus shifts to the group's future under Ador. The label's commitment to providing "full support" suggests a desire to move past the legal issues and concentrate on NewJeans' artistic output.
The K-pop industry is highly competitive, and maintaining group stability is crucial for long-term success. This resolution, while coming after a contentious period, aims to ensure the group can continue to produce music and engage with their global fanbase.
Fans around the world will be watching closely to see how NewJeans rebuilds trust and navigates their career path. The group's impact on global pop culture remains significant, and their return promises new music and performances for their dedicated supporters.