The tension between NewJeans and HYBE is still far from being resolved, and fans are left wondering if the two sides will ever mend their relationship. What began as a contract issue has now spiraled into a very public and emotional battle. At the heart of it, the members are asking to leave HYBE’s label ADOR, while HYBE is holding firm that the group should stay under their management.
On August 14, Minji and Danielle represented the group in a court-arranged mediation session. They showed up with their legal team and spent around 80 minutes trying to work out a compromise with HYBE. But according to reports, no common ground was reached. Unlike earlier appearances where all five members spoke up, this time they only greeted the press with polite smiles and apologized for not being able to give any comments. The next settlement date has been set for September 11.
NewJeans has made their position clear. They want out of ADOR and HYBE because of what they call repeated mismanagement. They have also strongly opposed the removal of Min Hee Jin, the creative mind behind the group, from her CEO role. The girls believe that without her, their identity and artistry are at risk. The lawsuit they filed is built on this broken trust and their demand to be released from their contracts.
Adding fuel to the fire, the members have accused HYBE’s other subsidiary, BELIFT LAB, of copying NewJeans’ style, choreography, and concepts when launching ILLIT. HYBE, however, has denied these claims and pushed back with their own accusation. They say Min Hee Jin tried to seize control of ADOR, which is why she was removed from her position in the first place.
If the two sides cannot find a resolution in the September mediation, the case will move forward. The final ruling is expected on October 30, which will determine whether NewJeans’ contract with HYBE remains valid or gets dissolved. Until then, fans and the entire K-pop industry are watching closely, waiting to see how this high-stakes battle unfolds.