On June 17, 2025, the Seoul High Court Civil Division 25-2, led by Presiding Judge Hwang Byeong-ha, upheld a pivotal legal decision that restricts the popular South Korean girl group NewJeans from pursuing independent entertainment activities without the approval of their agency, ADOR. This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing contractual dispute between the members of NewJeans and their management company, reinforcing the agency's control over their exclusive contracts and related activities.
The court's rejection of NewJeans' appeal follows a series of legal battles that began in late 2024. The members of NewJeans had publicly declared on November 28, 2024, that they were terminating their exclusive contracts with ADOR, citing breaches of contract and the agency's failure to fulfill its obligations. They also announced plans to embark on independent activities, signaling an intent to break away from ADOR’s management. However, ADOR responded swiftly by filing a lawsuit in December 2024 to confirm the validity of the exclusive contracts and sought a provisional injunction to prevent the members from engaging in any independent entertainment work.
On March 21, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Settlement Division 50, under Presiding Judge Kim Sang-hoon, fully granted ADOR's provisional injunction request. This injunction prohibited NewJeans members from conducting independent entertainment activities or entering into advertising contracts without ADOR's prior approval or consent. The court recognized ADOR's temporary management status over the members, effectively sidelining the group’s efforts to operate autonomously.
NewJeans challenged this injunction by filing an objection in April 2025, but the court dismissed their request, affirming the legality and appropriateness of the provisional injunction. Undeterred, the members then filed an appeal against this dismissal, which the Seoul High Court also rejected on June 17, 2025. The appellate court's decision thus upheld the lower court’s ruling, maintaining the status quo that NewJeans cannot independently pursue entertainment activities such as music production, performances, broadcasting appearances, or advertising negotiations without ADOR's consent.
This legal stalemate has left the members effectively unable to perform or engage professionally outside of ADOR’s oversight. The court’s ruling also stipulated financial penalties for any breaches during this period: should the members proceed with independent activities without approval, they would be liable to pay compensation of 100 million won per member per violation. This adds a significant financial deterrent against unauthorized activities.
The roots of this conflict trace back to internal turmoil within the parent company HYBE and ADOR. In April 2024, HYBE initiated an audit into former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, accusing her of attempting to usurp management rights. Consequently, Min was dismissed in August 2024. The NewJeans members sided with Min, and their subsequent contract termination announcement was accompanied by demands including her reinstatement. They claimed that ADOR’s refusal to accept their written requests led to a breakdown of trust, which they cited as justification for ending their contracts.
Despite NewJeans’ public declaration of independence, ADOR has consistently maintained that the exclusive contracts remain valid and enforceable. The ongoing first-instance lawsuit to confirm the contract's validity is still underway, underscoring the protracted nature of this dispute.
Fans and observers have reacted with mixed emotions to the court’s rulings. Some acknowledge the legal complexities, with comments such as “There’s nothing legally they can do,” recognizing the binding nature of contracts and court orders. Others express sympathy for the members, questioning, “Where is the children’s right to choose?” highlighting concerns about artists’ autonomy and the often restrictive nature of entertainment industry contracts in South Korea.
The court's decisions have broader implications for the K-pop industry, where agency control over artists’ careers is often absolute. This case spotlights the tension between contractual obligations and individual freedoms within the highly structured and competitive entertainment landscape.
NewJeans, consisting of members Hanni, Minji, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, emerged as one of the most influential girl groups under HYBE's umbrella, with ADOR as their managing label. Their sudden announcement of contract termination and independent ambitions sent shockwaves through the industry, raising questions about artist rights and management practices.
While the legal battles continue, the group’s activities remain on hold pending further court rulings. The ongoing first-instance trial to determine the validity of their exclusive contracts will be closely watched by industry insiders, fans, and legal experts alike, as it could set precedents for future disputes between artists and agencies.
In the meantime, the court’s firm stance in favor of ADOR underscores the judiciary’s recognition of contractual commitments in entertainment management, emphasizing the need for artists and agencies to navigate disagreements through legal channels rather than unilateral actions.
As the saga unfolds, the spotlight remains on NewJeans and ADOR, two parties locked in a high-stakes legal and public relations battle that reflects the evolving dynamics of artist management and rights in South Korea’s global pop culture phenomenon.
