Post by : Meena
Hassan
A Seoul court has ruled that K-pop act NewJeans remain bound by their exclusive contract with Ador until 2029, rejecting the group's request to terminate the agreement.
The Seoul Central District Court dismissed claims that Ador breached the contract by removing former CEO Min Hee-jin, who was instrumental in guiding the group's early development.
The five members — Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji — had declared last year they were leaving Ador, alleging mistreatment, manipulation and a collapse of trust after Min's dismissal.
NewJeans said they will appeal the ruling, adding that it is "impossible to return to Ador" and continue under the same management.
Ador responded after the verdict, saying it hopes the judgment will allow the artists to consider the issue calmly. The label also stated it is preparing for the group's future activities, including an album, and is awaiting the members' reply.
Background of the Dispute
The decision closes a year-long dispute that grew from tensions between Min Hee-jin and Ador's parent company, Hybe. In April 2024, Hybe initiated an audit of Ador, accusing Min of seeking independence; she was dismissed in August 2024 after refusing to step down.
Following her departure, NewJeans demanded Min's return and publicly accused Hybe and Ador of harming their careers. Member Hanni also alleged she experienced workplace harassment while under the label. When those demands were not met, the group announced their exit from Ador in November 2024.
Legal Fallout and Aftermath
Ador filed suit in December 2024 to affirm the contracts' validity. Earlier this year the court issued an injunction barring the members from rebranding or promoting independently.
Despite that order, the group briefly performed an unreleased song in Hong Kong under the temporary name NJZ before entering a hiatus. At the time they described the injunction as a shock but said they would face it together.
Formed in July 2022, NewJeans rose rapidly with hits like "Attention" and "Super Shy," noted for blending 1990s R&B with contemporary pop. The ongoing legal clash has drawn wide attention for challenging the traditional balance of power between K-pop artists and their management companies.
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