By Alfaritsy 
Hyein’s Father Becomes the Sole Parent Opposing NewJeans’ Contract Termination During the first hearing held on April 3 at the Seoul Central District Court, the judge asked whether the lawsuit had received consent from the parents of the minor members — Hyein and Haerin. This prompted speculation about a disagreement among the guardians.
An earlier hearing on March 7 had already raised concerns about discrepancies in legal representation, hinting at a custody-related conflict that impacted the civil case.
Identity Confirmed: Hyein ‘s Father Objected
According to a report by Daily Everyday, it was not Haerin’s mother, but Mr. A—Hyein’s father—who opposed the lawsuit. Initially, Hyein’s family was aligned with the other members and their families in supporting the termination of the exclusive contract back in November 2023. However, Mr. A later shifted his position, causing a legal conflict with Hyein’s mother, Ms. B.
Following a custody dispute, the court ruled on March 14, 2024, in favor of Ms. B, granting her full legal guardianship over Hyein in matters concerning the lawsuit.
Background: Why NewJeans Is Suing ADOR
NewJeans filed a lawsuit seeking to end their exclusive contracts with ADOR due to alleged mismanagement and deeper internal conflicts between ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE, ADOR’s parent company. The dispute quickly gained attention, particularly because two of the group’s members—
Hyein and Haerin—are still minors, requiring parental approval for legal actions.
K-Netizens Voice Mixed Emotions
Online communities in South Korea have been buzzing with reactions. While some expressed concern over the pressure placed on young idols, others criticized how the case was handled:
“Thinking about the kind of decisions I had to make at that age, it’s heartbreaking that they’re facing this much pressure.”
“If the father lost custody, shouldn’t the mother and Hyein share responsibility too?”
“People wrongly assumed it was Haerin. The legal documents clearly show it’s Hyein’s father who objected.”
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The Burden of Fame on Teenage Idols
This controversy has reignited discussions about the emotional and mental toll that the K-pop industry places on its youngest idols. Hyein, being one of the youngest members, has found herself at the center of a legal and family storm while still in her teens.
For many fans and observers, the case illustrates how difficult it is for young idols to assert their own will when legal, professional, and family pressures are colliding.
Legal Clarity Amid Emotional Chaos
Now that the court has officially granted Hyein’s mother full guardianship, the lawsuit can proceed with unified support from the families—except for Mr. A. NewJeans continues their legal efforts to terminate the contract, and fans worldwide are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.