In a significant legal setback for NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, the Seoul Central District Court upheld a ruling that prevents the girl group from engaging in independent activities outside their management agency, ADOR. On April 16, 2025, the court dismissed NJZ's appeal against the injunction, which had initially been issued on March 21, 2025. This ruling comes amid a backdrop of public criticism and a turbulent relationship between the group and their former agency.
The legal troubles began in late 2024 when tensions escalated following the unexpected departure of ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee-jin, in November. The group publicly supported Hee-jin, citing her as a crucial factor in their success. On November 28, 2024, they held a press conference announcing the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR, claiming that the agency had breached key obligations. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking to confirm the validity of the existing contract and subsequently sought an injunction to restrict NJZ's independent activities.
On March 21, 2025, the Seoul district court sided with ADOR, ruling that NJZ could not enter into independent contracts or perform separate music activities until the legal dispute was resolved. The court deemed the injunction justified, stating, "The case of injunction in this case is justified," as reported by MAEIL BUSINESS NEWSPAPER. Following this ruling, NJZ announced a temporary suspension of all activities to comply with the court's decision.
Despite the ruling, NJZ celebrated a milestone on April 16, marking 1,000 days since their debut. The members took to social media to express gratitude to their fans, stating, "Bunnies~! It’s been 1,000 days since we met~! These 1,000 days with you have been pure happiness." However, this celebration was overshadowed by the ongoing legal battles and the backlash from netizens who criticized both the group and their fans.
Online forums erupted with discontent following the court's decision, with many users expressing frustration. Comments ranged from disappointment in the group’s perceived arrogance to calls for them to pay penalties and leave the agency. One user remarked, "Honestly, up until yesterday, I was rooting for NewJeans to go back to HYBE, but after seeing the situation with the HYBE producer, I think NewJeans fans are way too toxic. I hope they don’t go back now." Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "If they want to leave so badly, they can just pay the penalty and go."
Amid these challenges, NJZ's legal team, represented by Sejong Law Firm, has expressed disappointment over the court's decisions and confirmed plans to appeal the latest ruling to the Seoul High Court. The group's legal representative stated, "We will continue to diligently participate in the legal proceedings to come and do our utmost so that the facts can be clearly revealed." The next hearing in the ongoing lawsuit is scheduled for June 5, 2025, which could prove pivotal for the group's future.
The conflict between NJZ and ADOR has been marked by a series of public statements and legal maneuvers. After Min Hee-jin's departure, the group’s relationship with ADOR deteriorated, leading to their demand for her reinstatement on September 11, 2024. When that demand was ignored, NJZ took drastic measures by declaring an end to their contract with the agency.
In December 2024, ADOR filed a lawsuit against NJZ to validate its contract, claiming that the group’s actions were detrimental to both the agency and potential third parties, including advertisers. The legal battle intensified when ADOR sought an injunction in January 2025, which the court ultimately upheld in March.
As the situation unfolds, NJZ faces a challenging road ahead. Their activities have been on hold since their last performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong on March 23, 2025, where they announced a temporary suspension to respect the court's decision. The group has not provided further details about their future plans, leaving fans and critics alike in suspense.
The upcoming June 5 hearing will be crucial, as it will address the validity of the existing contract and potentially redefine NJZ's relationship with ADOR. As public sentiment shifts and the legal battle drags on, the future of NJZ remains uncertain. Fans and industry watchers are left to wonder if the group will be able to regain their footing and continue their musical journey.
In the South Korean entertainment industry, this situation highlights the complexities and challenges that artists face when navigating contracts and agency relationships. NJZ’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and fairness in the entertainment sector, as well as the potential consequences when disputes arise.
