Post by : Meena Ariff

The Seoul Central District Court has rejected NewJeans’ request to nullify their exclusive contract with Ador, ruling the agreement remains in force until 2029.

Judges dismissed the group’s assertion that Ador breached the contract when it removed former CEO Min Hee-jin, who was influential in shaping the band’s early creative direction.

Members Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji had previously announced they were leaving Ador unilaterally, accusing the company of mistreatment, manipulation and a loss of trust after Min’s ouster.

The five have said they will challenge the decision in a higher court, insisting it would be “impossible to return to Ador” and resume activities under the same management team.

Following the verdict, Ador issued a statement expressing hope the ruling would allow the artists to reflect calmly on the situation.

The label also said it is preparing for forthcoming group projects, including an album, and is awaiting a response from the members about participation.

Background of the Dispute

The ruling closes a prolonged standoff that began amid tensions between Min Hee-jin and Ador’s majority owner, Hybe, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies.

Hybe initiated an audit of Ador in April 2024, alleging Min sought to operate independently. After she refused to step down, Min was dismissed in August 2024.

NewJeans publicly urged the company to reinstate Min and accused Ador and Hybe of harming their careers. Hanni also alleged she had faced workplace harassment during her tenure with the label.

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

Legal Fallout and Aftermath

Ador responded by filing a suit in December 2024 to confirm the validity of the members’ contracts. Earlier this year, the court granted an injunction barring NewJeans from rebranding or independently releasing music.

Despite that order, the members briefly performed an unreleased track in Hong Kong under the temporary name NJZ before entering a break from public activity.

The group described the injunction as a “shock” at the time but said they intended to face the situation together.

Since debuting in July 2022 with the single “Attention,” NewJeans rose rapidly in popularity. Their song “Super Shy” earned critical praise and appeared on several year-end lists.

Blending 1990s R&B textures with contemporary pop, the group was praised for changing expectations in an industry often defined by strict agency oversight and electronic-heavy production.

The dispute has reverberated beyond fans, prompting debate about the balance of power between artists and management within South Korea’s tightly regulated entertainment sector.

#Global