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NewJeans is currently making headlines in Korea as four members—Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein—prepare for a comeback, while former member Daniel is embroiled in a 33 billion KRW lawsuit with agency ADOR. This situation follows a prolonged and complex dispute involving HYBE, ADOR's former CEO Min Hee-jin, and the group members, which led to a significant hiatus. The recent public appearance of Haerin signals the group's return after what fans have termed the "lost 2 years."
The dispute originated in April 2024 with HYBE's audit of ADOR and Min Hee-jin's counter-allegations of concept copying. By November 2024, all NewJeans members declared contract termination, initiating a series of legal battles. A court ruling on October 30, 2025, affirmed the validity of their contracts, leading to Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni's return to ADOR, while Daniel's contract termination was finalized. On July 22, 2026, the four returning members released a video commemorating their 4th debut anniversary, hinting at their comeback after a 1 year and 4 month hiatus since March 2025. ADOR's lawsuit against Daniel, a family member, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, alleging contract violation and damages, was adjusted to a 33.09 billion KRW claim in June 2026.
Local bloggers express a bittersweet sentiment among fans regarding the group's extended absence and the intricate legal challenges. The sight of the four members in official content without Daniel is noted as an "unfamiliar scene" for long-time supporters. The "lost 2 years" refers to the period from November 2024, when the members initially declared contract termination, until their recent re-emergence, during which full group activities were largely suspended. The ongoing lawsuit, with its substantial claim amount, underscores the complexity of the situation, though the final compensation remains subject to court adjudication.
