[비즈한국] As NewJeans members have expressed their intention to return to ADOR, expectations for a rebound in the performance of their parent company, HYBE352820, are rising. During the conflict between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin (currently CEO of OOAK) and HYBE last year, NewJeans members supported the former CEO. They subsequently filed a lawsuit in November of last year, claiming their exclusive contracts with ADOR had been terminated due to breach of contract. However, the court ruled in favor of ADOR. The NewJeans members did not appeal and ultimately announced they would return to ADOR.
ADOR announced on November 12 that NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein would be returning to the label. Subsequently, the remaining three members—Minji, Hanni, and Danielle—also expressed their intention to return. However, their full return has not yet been finalized.
ADOR stated, "After careful consideration with their families and sufficient discussion with ADOR, members Haerin and Hyein have decided to respect the court's ruling and comply with their exclusive contracts," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Haerin and Hyein can continue their entertainment activities smoothly." Regarding Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, the label maintained a reserved stance, stating that they are "confirming the members' true intentions."
NewJeans has been effectively inactive since last year. Analyses suggest that this has had a negative impact on HYBE's performance. According to quarterly reports, revenue for ADOR, the label under which NewJeans is signed, plummeted by 73.06% from 90.5 billion KRW in the first three quarters of last year to 24.4 billion KRW for the same period this year, while net profit dropped by 79.12% from 21.6 billion KRW to 4.5 billion KRW.
ADOR's sluggish performance appears to have impacted HYBE as well. HYBE recorded an operating loss of 42.2 billion KRW in the third quarter of this year, a stark contrast to SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment, which all remained in the black. HYBE holds an 80% stake in ADOR, creating a structure where ADOR's performance directly affects HYBE.
Consequently, analysts suggest that if NewJeans resumes activities, HYBE’s performance could improve. Kim Min-young, a researcher at Meritz Securities, forecasted, "With visibility increasing regarding the resumption of album releases, content, and tour schedules for at least two members starting in 2026, we expect a potential profit contribution of at least 20 to 30 billion KRW beginning in 2027."
The issue remains whether NewJeans can regain its popularity. There is no guarantee that they will achieve the same results as before, even if they return. While NewJeans received support from fans during their year-long conflict with ADOR, significant negative public sentiment has also emerged. It is still too early to predict their activity plans. While Researcher Kim Min-young evaluated the return of NewJeans positively, she maintained a cautious approach, stating, "Confirmation of the company's official stance regarding the full group's schedule and plans is necessary," and added, "As there was a hiatus, we will have to observe their future activity plans."
Some have raised the possibility that NewJeans could be reorganized into a two-member team consisting of Haerin and Hyein. To date, ADOR has refrained from making an official statement regarding Minji, Hanni, and Danielle. While the fandom supports the members' return to ADOR, there is also an atmosphere of criticism toward the label's attitude. On the 14th, the NewJeans fandom, 'Bunnies,' pointed out, "ADOR is neglecting sensationalist articles from certain entertainment media outlets—which have been biased toward HYBE and hostile to the members—claiming that 'ADOR may not accept some members'," adding, "We hope the fans' concerns that ADOR may have impure intentions are merely unfounded worries."
Fans are hoping for NewJeans to remain a complete five-member group. If a two-member system were to be implemented, it would likely be difficult to avoid criticism from fans, which could, in turn, negatively affect the group's activities or merchandise sales. ADOR has stated that it plans to hold individual meetings with the members, which is interpreted as a move to resolve past conflicts and facilitate a smooth agreement first.
The departure of former CEO Min Hee-jin, who was the producer for NewJeans, from ADOR could also be a variable. If someone other than Min takes over as producer, a change in NewJeans' musical style will be inevitable. However, there is almost no possibility of her returning to ADOR while still embroiled in legal battles with HYBE. Min recently established the entertainment agency 'OOAK' and has begun independent activities.
Former CEO Min Hee-jin expressed her respect for NewJeans' return to ADOR. She stated, "The members' decision to return together must have been made after deep thought and conversation, and I respect and support that choice," adding, "I believe that under any circumstances, NewJeans should be kept whole as five members." At the very least, it appears that no further legal battles will arise regarding NewJeans' return to ADOR.