NewJeans Court Ruling: Members Barred from Independent Activities

​In a significant development within the K-pop industry, the Seoul Central District Court has issued an injunction preventing the members of NewJeans from pursuing independent activities without the consent of their agency, ADOR.  This ruling underscores the complexities and challenges that can arise in the relationships between artists and their management companies.​Vulture+4Reuters+4Koreaboo+4

Background: The Rise of NewJeans

Debuting in 2022, NewJeans quickly ascended to prominence in the K-pop scene. The group, consisting of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, captivated audiences with their nostalgic 90s and early 2000s aesthetic. Their debut single, "Attention," garnered international acclaim, leading to rapid success on global music charts. In 2023, they became the fastest K-pop act to achieve one billion streams on Spotify and had multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100. ​The Independent+1Vulture+1

The Dispute: From Internal Conflicts to Legal Battles

The discord between NewJeans and ADOR began to surface in early 2024. Tensions escalated when HYBE, ADOR's parent company, conducted an audit of the label and requested the resignation of CEO Min Hee-jin, who was instrumental in forming and styling NewJeans. Allegations arose regarding attempts to make ADOR independent and concerns about creative direction. In response, Min Hee-jin held a press conference denying these claims and accusing HYBE of exploiting her creative concepts for other projects. ​allkpop+4The Independent+4Vulture+4Vulture+1The Independent+1

Amid these internal conflicts, the members of NewJeans expressed their support for Min Hee-jin. They highlighted instances of a toxic work environment and issued an ultimatum to HYBE, demanding the reinstatement of Min and a return to their previous working conditions. When their demands were not met, the group announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR in November 2024, citing breaches of contractual obligations. ​The Independentallkpop+1The Independent+1

Legal Proceedings: Court Ruling and Its Implications

Following the group's announcement to operate independently, ADOR filed an injunction to reaffirm its management rights and prevent the members from engaging in unauthorized commercial activities. On March 21, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, prohibiting NewJeans from conducting independent activities without the agency's approval. ​Koreaboo+3Reuters+3The Independent+3Koreaboo+1Reuters+1

This ruling raises questions about the future of NewJeans' planned projects under their rebranded name, NJZ. The group had announced intentions to release new music and engage in various promotional activities independently. However, the court's decision casts uncertainty on these plans, emphasizing the binding nature of their existing contracts with ADOR.​Koreaboo+2Vulture+2Reuters+2Reuters

Key Facts About the NewJeans-ADOR Dispute

Aspect	Details
Debut Year	2022
Members	Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein
Initial Agency	ADOR (a subsidiary of HYBE)
Conflict Origin	Internal disputes between ADOR executives and the group's creative director, Min Hee-jin
Contract Termination Announcement	November 2024
Court Injunction Date	March 21, 2025
Current Status	Members prohibited from independent activities without ADOR's consent

FAQs

Q: Why did NewJeans attempt to terminate their contract with ADOR?

A: The members cited breaches of contractual obligations and a toxic work environment as reasons for terminating their exclusive contract with ADOR. ​allkpop+1The Independent+1

Q: What was the court's decision regarding the dispute between NewJeans and ADOR?

A: The Seoul Central District Court issued an injunction preventing NewJeans from engaging in independent activities without ADOR's consent, effectively upholding the agency's management rights over the group. ​allkpop+4Reuters+4Koreaboo+4

Q: How does this ruling affect NewJeans' future activities?

A: The ruling restricts the members from pursuing independent projects, including signing advertising contracts or releasing new music without ADOR's approval, thereby impacting their plans under the rebranded name, NJZ. ​allkpop+3Reuters+3Vulture+3

Conclusion

The legal dispute between NewJeans and ADOR highlights the complexities inherent in the K-pop industry, particularly concerning artist-agency relationships. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges artists may face in asserting autonomy within the structured framework of entertainment management.​Vulture