NewJeans’ Haerin and Hyein Rejoin HYBE’s ADOR Label

Lee Hye-In, known as Hyein, and Haerin, members of the popular K-pop girl group NewJeans, are set to rejoin ADOR, their original label under HYBE. This announcement comes after a turbulent legal battle that lasted throughout 2025.

Return of Haerin and Hyein to ADOR

Following consultations with their families and ADOR, Hyein, 17, and Haerin, 19, will continue their activities with the label. ADOR confirmed this decision through a notice on their social media channels, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the young artists in their careers.

The announcement follows a ruling by a Seoul court on October 30, 2025. The court upheld the validity of the exclusive contracts between NewJeans and ADOR, which began in late 2024. The ruling stated that the removal of the former CEO and creative director Min Hee-jin did not constitute a breach of contract.

Legal Context

• October 30, 2025: Court rules contracts with ADOR remain valid.
• Legal Representation: Shin & Kim LLC was representing the NewJeans members during the dispute.
• The agency maintained its management responsibilities despite leadership changes.

Impact on the Group’s Future

With Haerin and Hyein returning to ADOR, questions arise regarding the remaining members, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle. Hanni previously testified to the South Korean Labor Committee about her experience working with HYBE, shedding light on labor rights issues in the K-pop industry.

NewJeans has not released new music since summer 2024, following successful single albums that dominated charts in South Korea and Japan and ranked within the Top 25 of the Billboard Global 200. The group had briefly rebranded as “NJZ” at the beginning of 2025, but an interruption occurred when ADOR secured an injunction against their independent activities.

Future Prospects

The immediate future for Haerin and Hyein may involve brand endorsement opportunities. Haerin was named a global ambassador for Dior in 2023, while Hyein became a global house ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2022.

The potential for new music from the duo remains uncertain, hinging on decisions from the other members and whether they will pursue further legal actions. The fans, meanwhile, are encouraged to lend their support and refrain from speculation regarding the members’ paths.