At the third court hearing on July 24 regarding ADOR’s lawsuit to confirm its exclusive contracts with NewJeans, the group’s legal team stated that the members are willing to return—but only if the company is restored to how it was before HYBE’s audit.
Representing members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, the legal team argued that the conflict began with HYBE’s audit in April 2023, which they claimed disregarded the members’ well-being. “There was no protection for the girls—it was as if they were told to stay out of the adults’ fight and keep working,” the lawyer said.
They emphasized that recent police investigations cleared former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin of any breach of trust, suggesting that the audit lacked legitimacy. “The ADOR that exists today is not the same company the members originally signed with,” the lawyer continued. “It’s now filled with HYBE executives, and the trust is broken.”
The members’ side also noted that the group bore the brunt of the HYBE–Min Hee Jin conflict, citing how Hanni was left vulnerable during her internal personnel issue. “HYBE failed to protect her and even made her look dishonest,” the statement read.
The members insist they would consider returning only if ADOR is restored to the state they originally joined—a label that supported them wholeheartedly and independently.
