- Court Rules Against NewJeans: The Seoul Central District Court has confirmed that the exclusive contract between the girl group NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, remains valid.
- Termination Rejected: The court dismissed the group’s claims that the firing of former CEO Min Hee-jin constituted a breach of contract and a breakdown of trust.
- Immediate Appeal Planned: NewJeans’ legal team has announced its intention to appeal the decision, stating that a working relationship with ADOR is “impossible.”
- Agency’s Stance: ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, expressed hope that the ruling would lead the members to “calmly reflect” on the situation.
In a significant blow to the K-pop group NewJeans, the Seoul Central District Court has ruled in favor of their agency, ADOR, confirming the validity of their exclusive contract. The decision effectively blocks the members’ attempt to terminate their agreement and pursue independent activities.
The Court’s Decisive Ruling
The 41st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict on October 30th, stating, “We confirm that the exclusive contract signed on April 21, 2022, is valid.” The court found insufficient evidence to support NewJeans’ claim that ADOR had violated its contractual obligations.
The dispute began after HYBE dismissed Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of its subsidiary label ADOR, in August of last year. In November, the members of NewJeans notified ADOR of their intent to terminate the contract, citing a “broken trust relationship” as the primary reason. The group subsequently began independent activities under the new name, NJZ.
However, the court explained its reasoning clearly: “Nowhere in the exclusive contract is it stated that ADOR must entrust the management duties for NewJeans to Min Hee-jin.” It further clarified that the personal trust the members placed in Min Hee-jin did not make her employment a legally binding condition of their contract with the agency.
A Relationship Beyond Repair?
Despite the legal setback, the members of NewJeans are standing firm. Their legal representatives immediately announced their plan to appeal the decision.
NewJeans Vows to Fight On
In a statement, the group’s legal team said, “While the members respect the court’s decision, it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities under the current situation where the trust relationship with ADOR has completely broken down.”
ADOR’s Official Response
Conversely, ADOR released a statement hoping for reconciliation. “We sincerely hope that today’s result… will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter,” the agency said, expressing gratitude for the court’s decision. The court also ordered NewJeans to bear the full costs of the litigation.
This lawsuit follows a previous legal action where ADOR successfully obtained a provisional disposition to prevent the members from engaging in separate entertainment activities, a decision that was also upheld on appeal. With the latest ruling, the future of NewJeans remains uncertain as the legal battle is set to continue.
Image Referance: https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/10/30/OAOC4LSQMJEUHNLCRLYWIJ5NOU/