NewJeans Lose Legal Fight Against ADOR, Group Denied Exit From Label
The group's contract until 2029 has been upheld by the court.
K-pop girl group NewJeans has officially lost its legal battle to terminate its contract with ADOR. A Seoul court ruled on Tuesday that the group’s exclusive contract with the label, which is valid until 2029, will remain in effect, delivering a crushing setback to the members’ bid to leave the agency. NewJeans has indicated a willingness to appeal the decision, according to Korean news reports. Read on to know more.
NewJeans Loses Contract Validity Case Against ADOR
The ruling is a turning point in one of the most-watched entertainment controversies in South Korea. NewJeans, made up of Danielle, Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein, initially announced their withdrawal from ADOR last November, accusing the company of manipulation, sabotage of their career, and ill treatment. Their announcement, made through a press conference, shook the industry and triggered heated discussion of artist control in K-pop.
The conflict originated months earlier, when HYBE, ADOR’s majority owner and home to global superstars like BTS and TXT, accused former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of plotting to take NewJeans independent. She denied the allegations, claiming instead that HYBE attempted to take credit for NewJeans’ success and override ADOR’s creative direction.
Min Hee Jin then stepped down from the role of the CEO of ADOR, and NewJeans accused HYBE of obstructing their return plans and jeopardising their artistic identity. Member Hanni also accused HYBE of workplace harassment during her label tenure. When the negotiations failed, the group tried to rebrand themselves as NJZ earlier this year by releasing new songs and concerting in Hong Kong before a court intervened to stop their independent activities.
Also Read: Everything We Know About Min Hee Jin’s New K-Pop Agency!
With the appeal process ongoing and group activities already at a standstill, everyone’s eyes are still on NewJeans and ADOR as the war moves into its next chapter.
Also Read: Did ADOR Just Erase NewJeans From Their Website? Here’s What Fans Think Is Happening!
First Published: October 30, 2025 11:24 AM
