In a significant development within the K-pop industry, Ador, the record label representing the popular group NewJeans, has announced that members Hyein and Haerin will return to the agency. This decision follows a protracted legal battle that began last year when the five-member group accused Ador of mistreatment and manipulation, leading them to declare their departure. Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe—South Korea’s largest music label—denied these allegations and initiated a lawsuit to enforce the validity of their contract, which runs until 2029. Last month, a South Korean court ruled in favor of Ador, upholding the contract’s validity. NewJeans has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, though legal experts suggest the chances of success are slim. In a statement on X, Ador emphasized that Hyein and Haerin’s decision to return was made after careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with the agency. The label urged fans to avoid unfounded speculation regarding the members’ future. Meanwhile, the plans for the remaining members—Hanni, Danielle, and Minji—remain unclear. The dispute has cast a shadow over NewJeans’ meteoric rise since their debut in 2022, with hits like ‘Attention’ and ‘SuperShy’ dominating charts. The group’s legal troubles have forced them into a hiatus, and their rebranding attempt as NJZ was halted by a court injunction. Fans have expressed concerns that the return of only two members could signal the end of NewJeans in its current form. The deadline for filing an appeal is midnight on Wednesday, but it is uncertain whether NewJeans has taken this step. The case highlights the challenges faced by artists in the K-pop industry, where record labels often maintain strict control over their talent.