Hyein and Haerin, two members of NewJeans, will return to their record label Ador, the agency has announced, in a move that has led fans to question whether the K-pop group will now split up.
NewJeans has been locked in a legal battle with Ador, since the five-member group announced last year that they were leaving the agency because of mistreatment and manipulation. Ador has denied these claims.
Last month, a South Korean court ruled that NewJeans's contract with Ador - which runs until 2029 - remains valid. NewJeans stated that it would appeal the decision.
The dispute has rocked the K-pop industry, where record labels typically exercise strict control over their artists.
Ador is a subsidiary label of Hybe, South Korea's biggest music label behind chart-topping groups such as BTS. In a statement on X, Ador wrote that Hyein and Haerin had decided to respect the court's latest ruling after thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions with ADOR. The statement concluded with a request for fans to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members.
Plans for the other three members - Hanni, Danielle and Minji - are currently unclear, leading to heightened speculation among fans.
NewJeans, formed in July 2022, accelerated in popularity with early hits but faced significant challenges including the controversial dismissal of Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been their mentor. The group accused Ador of mistreatment, leading to a lawsuit when their demands for better conditions went unaddressed.
Fans have expressed concerns that the current configuration of NewJeans may be coming to an end, noting that maintaining only two out of five active members could indicate a disbandment. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future, the fanbase remains supportive of the members, reflecting a deep investment in their journey.
