HYBE stock soars with NewJeans’ return to corporate news

Following breaking news from HYBE late on November 12 local time that two members of NewJeans were returning to the company’s ADOR label, with the remaining three members also apparently heading to the agency, the conglomerate’s shares rose on the first day of trading after the news. HYBE shares skyrocketed on November 13 after closing the day before at 291,500 Korean won (about $198.19) and closing Thursday at 304,000 KRW ($206.69) on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), marking a gain of almost 4.5% on the day.

Nearly two weeks ago, on October 30, when HYBE issued a favorable ruling in the K-pop group’s long-running legal battle, its shares soared even higher that day by more than 5%, with the momentum leading to a high share price for the year around KRW 342,500 (approximately $232.86) on KOSPI, with all investors seemingly excited about the girl group’s future with their original label house. At that time, NewJeans’ legal representatives announced that the group would immediately appeal the decision.

The latest news about NewJeans: ADOR ‘Checking’ about Minji, Hanni & Danielle; Min Hee-jin weighs in

On November 12, ADOR shared an official statement with the media, stating that NewJeans members Haerin and Hyein had “decided to continue their activities with ADOR” after discussions with their parents and the label itself. The pair are the youngest members of NewJeans, aged 19 and 17 respectively.

While independent reports circulated that Minji, Hanni and Danielle had all announced their decision to return to ADOR through their lawyers, subsidiary label HYBE has not officially confirmed the news. ADOR shared in a response that “we are checking whether the three members intend to return” through its global communications.

ADOR’s former CEO and NewJeans creative director Min Hee-jin released an official statement on November 13, sharing that she supports the group’s return and hopes they will remain a five-member group. Min also emphasized that her legal battle between HYBE – including HYBE alleging a breach of trust on Min’s part while the executive alleges a breach of contract over the label stakes and payments – should be kept separate from NewJeans’ situation.

Hello, this is Min Hee-jin.

Because many questions are coming in, I would like to share my point of view. I believe the decision made by members yesterday to return together was made after deep consideration and discussion. I respect and support that choice. Despite the difficulties, I deeply appreciate the courage of the members who once again joined forces to protect each other. I can start over anywhere. However, I believe that NewJeans should remain intact as five members under all circumstances. I hope that the members grow stronger and that NewJeans becomes an even better group, and most importantly that all five members are happy. Most of all, we would like to thank our fans who have supported NewJeans even in difficult times. We extend a warm welcome to members as they overcome these challenges and return. I too will watch over NewJeans’ music and growth and support them until the end. During this period, in which several lawsuits took place at the same time, a difficult time has come for all of us. The lawsuit between HYBE and I is completely separate and has nothing to do with NewJeans. As an individual, I am doing my best and hoping that the truth will come to light. I ask for your continued support.

In September, Min appeared in person at the Seoul Central District Court for her first court appearance since the dispute with HYBE began last year. According to local reports, the five-hour session saw the conglomerate attempt to confirm the termination of the shareholder agreement. At the same time, Min demanded payment under an option to contractually sell her shares back to the company, estimated to be worth about KRW 26 billion (about $17.8 million today). Min will be questioned again on November 27, after which arguments will conclude in December and a ruling is expected in January 2026.

What’s next for NewJeans

While ADOR looks to officially confirm the positions of the three remaining members of NewJeans, a NewJeans legal representative shared that Danielle is currently in Antarctica, which could make communication difficult in the coming days.

The most likely course of action is for Haerin and Hyein to continue their brand endorsement work. Haerin was named global ambassador for Dior in 2023, while Hyein was named global house ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2022. Whether it’s local and overseas events, campaigns or photoshoots, rekindling the brand relationships that started when the stars were under ADOR feels like a quick way to kick-start their return.

What’s next for HYBE

With less than two months to go until the end of the year, HYBE has several more releases planned for its artists, including a new single album Not cute anymore from girl group ILLIT, later this month. The upcoming MAMA Awards 2025 also announced that HYBE male groups BOYNEXTDOOR and CORTIS will open the first day of the ceremony with a performance featuring host and actor-singer Park Bo Gum along with fellow boy band TREASURE. They will perform a new version of the traditional Korean song “Kwaejina Ching Ching” live in Hong Kong.

Next year will also be a big year for HYBE, as it has confirmed BTS’ long-awaited comeback in March 2026. Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN members Seungkwan and DK recently confirmed that they will be releasing music in a duo sub-unit in January 2026. The combo would be the boy band’s fifth splinter group, after the trio BSS (consisting of Seungkwan, DK and Hoshi), JxW (Jeonghan and Wonwoo), HxW (Hoshi and Woozi) and CxM (S.Coups and Mingyu), the latter of which is their Hype vibes EP to number 71 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

HYBE has also shared plans for new boy band and girl group projects with collaborators like Geffen Records and OneRepublic member producer Ryan Tedder, set to release in the new year. Shares of HYBE are up more than 54% this year.

Shares of HYBE are up more than 54% this year.