As NewJeans members Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein expressed their intention to return to their former agency ADOR amid their ongoing exclusive contract dispute, it has been confirmed that the member who did not attend the previously held meeting with the agency’s CEO was Hanni.

According to a Star News report on the 17th, Hanni was overseas at the time and therefore did not attend the meeting held on the 11th between ADOR CEO Lee Do-kyung, the NewJeans members, and their guardians. The meeting was reportedly arranged to discuss preconditions and requirements for the members’ return to the agency. Hanni conveyed that she could not attend due to being abroad, leading the agency to determine that she was the member referenced as “being in Antarctica” when three members announced their intention to return. The agency plans to conduct an individual meeting with Hanni upon her return to Korea.

Previously, on the 12th, the agency released an official statement announcing that Haerin and Hyein had expressed their intention to return—just one day after their meeting with CEO Lee. The agency stated, “Haerin and Hyein have informed us that they wish to continue their activities with ADOR. After careful consideration with their families and sufficient discussion with ADOR, they have decided to respect the court’s ruling and comply with the exclusive contract.”

Shortly after, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle also conveyed their intention to return. Through their legal representative, Hanil Law Firm, the three stated, “After careful deliberation, we have decided to return to ADOR. One member is currently in Antarctica, which caused a delay in communication, and because ADOR has not yet responded, we were inevitably forced to release our stance separately.” However, the trio issued their statement individually before discussions with ADOR were finalized. ADOR responded cautiously, saying, “We are verifying the authenticity (of their statement) and are coordinating schedules for individual meetings.”


Written by Yoon Seong Yeol
Translated by Lee So Yun