Court Affirms NewJeans' Contract with Ador; Group Signals Appeal

Post by : Mina Rahman

A Seoul court has ruled against K-pop act NewJeans in their bid to void their exclusive contract with Ador, finding the agreement remains enforceable until 2029.

The Seoul Central District Court rejected the members' assertion that Ador breached the contract when it removed former CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been closely involved in shaping the group's artistic direction.

The five performers — Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji — had publicly declared last year that they were leaving Ador, accusing the company of mistreatment and saying the relationship of trust had broken down after Min’s dismissal.

NewJeans said it will challenge the judgment, maintaining it is unable to continue activities under Ador and intends to file an appeal.

In a post-verdict comment, Ador expressed hope the ruling will give the artists an opportunity for calm consideration.

The label also said it is moving ahead with plans for the group's forthcoming projects, including a new album, and is awaiting a response from the members.

Origins of the Conflict

The decision concludes a protracted dispute that has underscored tensions between the creative leadership around Min Hee-jin and Ador’s majority owner, Hybe, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment conglomerates.

In April 2024, Hybe initiated an audit of Ador amid allegations that Min sought an independent path. After she resisted calls to step down, Ador dismissed her in August 2024.

Following Min’s removal, NewJeans demanded her reinstatement and accused both Hybe and Ador of actions that harmed their careers. Member Hanni additionally raised claims of workplace harassment while signed to the label.

When those demands were not met, the group announced their departure from Ador in November 2024, drawing intense attention across the music industry.

Legal Proceedings and Consequences

Ador responded by suing in December 2024 to affirm the validity of the group's contracts. Earlier this year, the court issued an order blocking NewJeans from rebranding or promoting independently.

Despite the injunction, the members — briefly performing under the provisional name NJZ — debuted an unreleased song at a Hong Kong appearance before entering a hiatus.

The group called the court order a shock at the time but said they would face the situation together.

Debuting in July 2022, NewJeans rose rapidly with singles such as "Attention" and the widely acclaimed "Super Shy." Their fusion of 1990s R&B textures with contemporary pop helped position them as a distinct influence on modern K-pop production and aesthetics.

The dispute has unsettled fans and industry observers, prompting renewed scrutiny of contractual power and artist-management relations within South Korea’s tightly structured entertainment sector.