NewJeans’ Ongoing Legal Dispute with ADOR
NewJeans, the popular South Korean girl group, is currently embroiled in a significant legal struggle with their management label, ADOR. A recent ruling by a South Korean judge has resulted in the group’s inability to pursue independent activities, as reported on April 16 by Billboard and Yonhap.
The Injunction and Court Rulings
In January, ADOR had sought an injunction against NewJeans, restricting their promotional efforts and performances under the newly adopted name NJZ. This request was granted by the courts in March. Following the ruling, NewJeans filed an appeal, which was ultimately denied on Wednesday. In response to this denial, the group has submitted yet another appeal in hopes of reversing the injunction.
Background of the Dispute
The legal challenges for NewJeans began in November 2024 when the members asserted that they had terminated their contract with ADOR, citing serious violations of their contractual obligations. This action was taken after the resignation of ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin, who was also the creative director for the group. Since this claim, the members—Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein—have independently rebranded themselves as NJZ, and have taken proactive steps by engaging with fans on new social media platforms and participating in events such as ComplexCon in Hong Kong. However, ADOR maintains that NewJeans’ contract remains valid and unbroken.
Legal Justifications and Future Proceedings
According to court findings, NewJeans failed to demonstrate that ADOR had significantly breached their agreement, which influenced the decision to uphold the injunction. Alongside this injunction matter, the group is also involved in a separate lawsuit to analyze the validity of their contract with ADOR.
Public Statements from NewJeans
In light of the ongoing legal challenges, the group has publicly addressed various rumors regarding their internal dynamics and relationship with ADOR. On April 4, they, along with their parents, firmly denied claims of discord among the families, stating, “The reports of discord among the members’ parents are completely false.” They expressed unified support for their collective decision not to return to their previous label, HYBE, following comprehensive discussions within their families.
Further emphasizing their position, the group appeared on CNN in February where member Danielle stated, “We have completely lost trust in ADOR. We believe we will win this battle against HYBE and ADOR.” This declaration underlines their determination to navigate their current challenges successfully.
Conclusion
The unfolding legal situation for NewJeans highlights the complexities of contract management in the K-pop industry. As the girl group continues to seek resolution, all eyes will remain on their next steps and the potential implications for their careers moving forward.