A South Korean court has decided in favor of ADOR, the agency managing K-pop sensation NewJeans, issuing a ruling that halts the group from pursuing any independent activities. The Seoul Central District Court’s ruling on March 21, 2025, provides ADOR with exclusive rights over the activities of NewJeans, effectively stopping the members from performing or making deals independently.
This decision comes at a critical time; NewJeans was set to perform under the name NJZ at ComplexCon, a rebranding they aimed for in a bid to break free from ADOR’s management. However, under the court's preliminary injunction, the five-member group—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—will not be able to engage in any activities, including advertising contracts or performances, without ADOR's approval.
“With our status as NewJeans’ exclusive agency now legally affirmed, we are fully committed to supporting the artists going forward,” ADOR stated following the ruling. The agency also emphasized its participation in ComplexCon, ensuring that any performance involving NewJeans would occur under the official group name. “We will be fully present at ComplexCon this weekend to guarantee the performance is presented under the NewJeans name,” their statement went on to say.
Originally, tensions between NewJeans and ADOR began in November 2024 when the group accused the agency of various forms of mistreatment. Accusations included the lack of support from ADOR, leading them to announce their intention to part ways with the agency and subsequently file for contract termination. The situation escalated when ADOR retaliated by seeking a court injunction to prevent NewJeans from taking independent action.
The court’s ruling casts a shadow over NewJeans’ upcoming release of a debut track under the NJZ name, originally set for March 23, 2025. After the ruling, the future of this project now hangs in the balance.
Critics had foreseen this outcome, noting that NewJeans’ attempts to act independently without first finalizing their legal separation from ADOR were fraught with risks. Online reactions from fans and netizens have revealed mixed feelings about the ruling. Some questioned the decision-making among the group’s members, suggesting that they should have anticipated the repercussions of their actions.
Many fans voiced concern, with one social media user questioning, “Can they work independently again one day?” while another reflected on the harsh realities of contract obligations in the K-pop industry, emphasizing the challenges of breaking away from such powerful entities as HYBE.
In the ongoing conflict, NewJeans had not only filed against ADOR seeking termination of their contracts but accused the agency of failing in its contractual duties, alleging mistreatment and even workplace harassment. However, the court’s decision indicates that NewJeans did not sufficiently prove their claims, noting that ADOR met most of its obligations, including payment to the group.
The judge also warned that any unilateral termination of their contract by NewJeans could severely damage NEWJEANS' brand and ADOR's reputation. This language indicates the serious legal consequences the group may face should they proceed independently, emphasizing the precarious nature of their situation.
In response to the court’s decision, NewJeans expressed their disappointment while also declaring their intent to challenge the ruling. “We plan to challenge today's decision during which we will raise additional legal issues and submit further supporting evidence. Regardless we can no longer remain with a management that has disrespected our identities and undermined our achievements,” the group stated in their official communication.
The legal battle has now underscored the power dynamics and structural challenges looming large within the K-pop landscape, revealing just how difficult it can be for artists to extricate themselves from contracts with major entertainment companies.
As the situation develops, industry observers will be watching closely, particularly as another court date looms on the calendar—April 3. This upcoming trial will attempt to further settle the question of NewJeans' contract termination and their long-term future with ADOR.
Thus, while the ruling provides clarity to some extent, it leaves NewJeans with much uncertainty as they navigate their legal and professional futures. The landscape of K-pop remains as robust and challenging as ever, signaling that even top-tier talent is not immune from the complexities of their industry.
