NewJeans Lose Court Challenge to Ador; Members Say They Will Appeal

A Seoul court has rejected NewJeans' attempt to cancel their exclusive contract with Ador, ruling the agreement remains in force until 2029.

The Seoul Central District Court dismissed the idols' claim that Ador violated the contract after dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been closely involved in shaping the group's early image and direction.

The five members — Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji — announced last year that they were leaving Ador on their own, alleging mistreatment, manipulation and a loss of trust following Min's ouster.

Reports say the group intends to appeal the decision, saying it is "impossible to return to Ador" and continue under the same management team.

In a post-ruling statement, Ador said it "sincerely hopes the judgment will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter."

The label added that it is moving ahead with plans for the artists' upcoming activities, including an album release, and is "waiting" for the members' reply.

Background of the Dispute

The verdict ends a year-long standoff between the chart-topping group and its company. Tensions escalated amid clashes involving Min Hee-jin and Ador's parent company, Hybe, one of South Korea's largest entertainment conglomerates.

In April 2024, Hybe launched an audit into Ador amid allegations Min intended to operate independently. After she resisted stepping down, Min was removed in August 2024.

NewJeans subsequently demanded Min's reinstatement and accused Hybe and Ador of harming their careers; member Hanni also spoke publicly about experiencing workplace harassment while signed to the label.

When their demands were not met, the group declared they were leaving Ador in November 2024, drawing intense public and industry attention.

Legal Fallout and Aftermath

Ador filed a suit in December 2024 seeking a court ruling to confirm the validity of the members' contracts. Earlier this year the court issued an injunction barring NewJeans from rebranding or promoting music independently.

Despite that restriction, the members briefly performed under the temporary name NJZ and previewed an unreleased track at a Hong Kong show before announcing a hiatus.

At the time, the group called the injunction "a shock" but said they would "go through it together."

Since debuting in July 2022, NewJeans rose swiftly on the strength of their debut single "Attention," which topped local charts. Their song "Super Shy" gained widespread acclaim and featured on many year-end lists.

Blending 1990s R&B touches with contemporary pop, NewJeans have been praised as game-changers in an industry long dominated by strict agency control and heavily produced sounds.

The dispute has unsettled fans and insiders alike, spotlighting the often lopsided power dynamics between idols and management in South Korea's tightly controlled entertainment system.