**The entertainment industry in 2025 experienced a spectrum of emotions, from love and joy to breakups and tears. This year saw significant events involving various artists that made the public laugh and cry.**
The ongoing legal dispute between NewJeans and HYBE over their exclusive contract saw significant developments this year that went beyond a simple “conflict.”
NewJeans lost the first trial of the lawsuit in October, which upheld the validity of their contract, and all members expressed a desire to return to Ador, marking a new phase. Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, a central figure in the dispute, established a new agency, “OK Records,” leading to NewJeans and Min Hee-jin parting ways.
Since their debut, NewJeans experienced phenomenal popularity, but legal battles halted their comeback activities after their song “Supernatural” was released in June last year. It has now been a year and a half of inactivity. Some have expressed bittersweet opinions, likening their current state to that of a nostalgic act rather than a top-charting group. However, as the conflict nears resolution, there is anticipation for NewJeans performing again.
Industry insiders are speculating on NewJeans’ future directions. Here’s what they think about NewJeans resuming activities.
**▲ Insider A: “They’ve lost the freshness and innocence that were their biggest strengths.”**
“NewJeans has become a case study illustrating the issues within the K-pop industry and internal corporate power struggles, rather than simply remaining an idol group. The prolonged negative image associated with the dispute has eroded the freshness and innocence that were their biggest strengths, and this void is now being filled by emerging artists.”
“Looking back, their journey was too risky to be seen as merely courageous and bold. Regardless of the choices and decisions made, the public now associates them primarily with terms like ‘NewJeans crisis’ and ‘NewJeans controversy.’ Even if they make a cautious return, public attention is likely to be less on NewJeans itself and more on their future trajectory, given the prevailing cool public sentiment.”
**▲ Insider B: “Will they regain their former popularity?”**
“Should NewJeans return next year, the news alone would significantly impact the industry. However, considering their extended hiatus, the erosion of their image and public trust during this period, and the absence of Min Hee-jin as their leader, it seems unlikely they will regain their previous level of popularity.”
**▲ Insider C: “One cannot simply criticize without knowing all the circumstances, but…”**
“The ‘NewJeans crisis’ proved that ‘exclusive contracts are not to be taken lightly.’ While contracts are crucial in business, the mutual trust and care essential in such relationships raise doubts about whether Ador and NewJeans can ever revert to their former dynamic. While it’s difficult to criticize the members for their decisions during such a critical period, the foundation they painstakingly built has fractured, and its reconstruction remains uncertain.”
“A company should protect its artists. Ador has suffered significant losses in this crisis. While the artists voiced concerns about their disadvantages, Ador consistently stated its desire for the members to return. One would want to hear Ador’s honest perspective, but with the members returning, that now seems improbable. The prospect of NewJeans resuming activities is not viewed favorably by some industry insiders.”
**▲ Insider D: “If they come back next year…their overseas presence might remain strong.”**
“This year’s legal battles involving NewJeans felt like a ‘fight without merit.’ The news disseminated by NewJeans during their peak was perceived as shocking and absurd, causing extensive damage to their image. Courtroom revelations depicted an unfounded and reckless dispute. Statements made by members at press conferences or even during a parliamentary audit were likened to childish remarks.”
“If such reasons could lead to demands for contract termination, smaller agencies would struggle to cope. HYBE, however, managed to navigate to the current situation thanks to its substantial financial resources. In conclusion, the NewJeans crisis was a futile dispute, devoid of merit or tangible gain.”
“Many foresee challenges if the members resume activities next year. However, I believe their overseas presence will remain robust. Their fandom, from my observation, is quite solid and substantial. The financial implications will likely become clear in NewJeans’ revenue for 2026.”
**▲ Outcome? A bittersweet loss… NewJeans: “We will go back.”**
Meanwhile, last October, the court ruled that the contract between NewJeans and Ador is valid, and the members did not appeal, marking the end of the so-called ‘NewJeans rebellion.’
Initially, Haerin and Hyein took action.
Ador released an official statement, saying that “after thorough discussions with their families and careful consideration, the two members decided to respect the court’s decision and adhere to their contracts.” They also stated, “Ador will do its best to support Haerin and Hyein in continuing their entertainment activities smoothly.”
However, Minji, Danielle, and Hani were not mentioned. These three later communicated their intention to return through the media. Ador adopted a different approach with them, opting for careful discussions. Minji and Danielle have engaged in discussions with Ador, while Hani is reportedly in Antarctica, making an immediate statement from her unlikely.
**▲ Can we see them on music shows?**
While the complete return of all five members is not yet confirmed, the news is certainly welcomed by Bunnies (the official fandom name) who had received no updates beyond court appearances.
Ador had been preparing for NewJeans’ return, with a full album ready, independent of the legal disputes. Although Min Hee-jin will no longer guide NewJeans’ concepts and musical direction, it is now time for NewJeans itself to prove its worth to the public. Min Hee-jin’s name is no longer a ‘plus’ factor for NewJeans.
Their public image suffered significantly due to legal disputes, press conferences, and Hani’s appearance at a parliamentary audit. Comments such as “The court’s decision is disappointing,” “They want to make us revolutionaries,” and “We don’t expect the K-pop industry’s issues to change overnight” drew public backlash.
Before the conflict with Ador, NewJeans had established themselves as the ‘top girl group of the 4th generation,’ but this dispute proved to be a fatal blow. One wonders what could have been achieved if Min Hee-jin and NewJeans had remained with Ador.
Meanwhile, Min Hee-jin established a new entertainment agency, ‘OK Records,’ in October, completing its corporate registration. Rumors suggest she is conducting closed auditions, potentially for a boy group rather than a girl group.
Min Hee-jin explained, ‘There’s no reason to create a rival for NewJeans, and considering my style, it’s the boy group’s turn.’ She added, ‘I want to create a fun company.’
