Min Hee Jin on NewJeans' return to ADOR: 'I respect and support that choice'

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin respects the decision of NewJeans' members Hanni, Danielle, Minji, Hyein, and Haerin to return to the label.

In a statement on Thursday, Min said will continue to support the girl group "until the very end."

"I believe the decision the members made yesterday to return together was reached after deep deliberation and discussion. I respect and support that choice," Min said in Korean, as translated by Soompi.

"Despite the difficulties, I deeply value the courage of the members who joined hands again to protect one another," she added.

Min Hee Jin expressed her gratitude to fans for standing by NewJeans during challenging times.

"I believe that under any circumstances, NewJeans must be kept intact as five members. I hope the members grow stronger and that NewJeans becomes an even better group, and above all, that all five members are happy," she said.

Min also addressed ongoing legal matters, saying that multiple lawsuits had prolonged a difficult period for everyone involved. 

"The litigation between HYBE and me is entirely separate and has nothing to do with NewJeans. As an individual, I am doing my very best and hope the truth will be brought to light. I ask for your continued support," she said.

NewJeans drew buzz over the past few years after lodging a lengthy legal battle with ADOR regarding their seven-year contract.

The group announced that they had terminated their contracts with the company in November 2024 after the company did not comply with their initial request to reinstate Min Hee Jin after her resignation. 

On October 30, the Seoul court upheld the validity of NewJeans' exclusive contract under ADOR labels.

NewJeans initially said that they would be filing an appeal to overturn the decision, saying that it was impossible to accept and return to the company.

NewJeans debuted as a five member girl group in November 2022 with the surprise release of their debut single "Attention." —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News