The legal dispute between K-pop group NewJeans and its agency ADOR officially began with the first court hearing at Seoul Central District Court on Friday. ADOR is seeking to stop the members from engaging in independent activities while their contract dispute remains unresolved.
Despite no legal obligation, all five members of NewJeans—also known as NJZ—attended the hearing voluntarily. Their presence showed how serious they were about the case.
At the center of the dispute is whether the group had the right to terminate their contracts. ADOR argues that the members left without a valid reason, while the NewJeans members claim they were forced to leave due to HYBE’s unfair treatment.
ADOR Claims NewJeans Violated Contracts
ADOR’s legal team strongly defended the agency’s role in NewJeans’ success. They argued that the company invested heavily in the group and played a key part in making them one of K-pop’s biggest acts.
“Talent alone does not explain their rapid rise,” ADOR’s legal representatives stated. “More than 50 staff members, including stylists, choreographers, and managers, worked tirelessly from the group’s trainee days to ensure their success.”
ADOR also accused NewJeans of breaching their contracts by introducing a new name, NJZ, and attempting to sign with another agency. The agency dismissed claims of unfair treatment, stating that profit distribution was not an issue in this dispute.
NewJeans Fights Back, Claims ADOR and HYBE Failed Them
NewJeans’ lawyers painted a very different picture. They argued that ADOR failed to protect the members from discrimination within HYBE, which made the contracts void.
“HYBE and its sublabels consistently undermined NewJeans,” their legal team said. “ADOR had neither the power nor the will to protect them.”
The removal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin was also brought up as a major factor. NewJeans’ lawyers claimed HYBE didn’t just remove Min but also tried to destroy NewJeans’ career along with her.
Members Speak Out in Court
Each member of NewJeans shared their experiences during the hearing.
- Haerin said she felt “helpless” watching HYBE damage their image while ADOR remained silent.
- Danielle described the fear she felt when Min was attacked by the media.
- Hyein claimed that ADOR was filled with “HYBE loyalists” who never intended to support the group.
- Hanni accused HYBE of hypocrisy, saying they blocked the group’s activities while claiming to support them.
- Minji opened up about the extreme stress and anxiety the members experienced before their comeback.
What Happens Next?
In November 2024, NewJeans announced they were terminating its contracts with ADOR, citing breaches by the agency. They then started independent activities. In response, ADOR filed injunctions in January and February, arguing that the contracts were still legally binding.
The court has now requested additional evidence from both sides. The next hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2025.
This case will have major implications for NewJeans’ future and could also impact how K-pop agencies handle contract disputes moving forward.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
