On February 12 (KST), former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin scored a significant victory in her lawsuit against HYBE, bringing renewed attention to NewJeans’ legal battle with the label. The group had previously sought to terminate its exclusivity contracts with ADOR, but the court ruled in favor of the agency. Although many supporters believed that the members would continue their legal battle through an appeal, the group subsequently announced plans to return to ADOR. Afterwards, member Danielle was removed from the team and fans were waiting for clarification on Minji’s status.
Amid growing questions about why members chose not to take further legal action, lawyer Lee Sook Mi of Sejong Law Firm addressed the issue publicly. Speaking to reporters after securing Min Hee Jin’s court victory, Lee explained that the NewJeans members decided to withdraw from the legal battle and return to ADOR because they felt emotionally exhausted by the prolonged dispute. According to the lawyer, the original trial decision contained several points that were difficult for members to accept, but these concerns were addressed in the recent ruling on the shareholders’ agreement.
The explanation struck a chord with fans, many of whom expressed sadness and empathy online. Supporters shared messages about how challenging the lengthy legal proceedings can be, especially for young artists subjected to intense public scrutiny. Some also criticized those who had derided the group for rejoining the label, arguing that lawsuits are never simple or easy to bear.
Following Min Hee Jin’s court victory, online discussions intensified, with some accusing her of abandoning or betraying NewJeans. The debate has since heated up across various platforms, further highlighting how emotionally charged the situation is for both artists and their fans.
Sources: Koreaboo
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