NewJeans Loses ADOR Lawsuit as Korean Court Enforces Exclusive Contract

A Korean court has rejected NewJeans’ attempt to break away from its label ADOR, dealing a major victory to the HYBE subsidiary in its closely-watched legal battle with the chart-topping K-pop group.

The five members of NewJeans — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein — have been fighting since last November to leave ADOR and make music independently under the moniker NJZ. The women claim ADOR broke their trust with the controversial dismissal of their mentor, former CEO Min Hee-jin.

However, ADOR has argued that NewJeans’ 2022 exclusive contract bars any independent activities until 2029. A legal battle ensued and, after months of back and forth, a Korean court sided with ADOR on Thursday (Oct. 30).

According to Korean news reports, a judge in the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Min’s termination was not sufficient grounds for NewJeans to void its seven-year contract with ADOR.

“Nowhere in the exclusive contract is it stated that ADOR must entrust the management duties for NewJeans to Min Hee-jin,” wrote Presiding Judge Jeong Hoe-il, according to the Chosun Daily. “Merely the fact that NewJeans personally places high trust in Min Hee-jin does not make guaranteeing her the position of ADOR’s CEO a significant obligation under the exclusive contract.”

In an official statement on Thursday, ADOR expressed “deep gratitude for the court’s decision.”

“We sincerely hope that today’s judgment, which comes after long-term verification of various claims and facts and reaffirms prior rulings, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter,” said the label. “ADOR is committed to re-emphasizing its role and responsibilities as NewJeans’ management agency. As we stated during the trial, we have completed preparations for the artist’s activities, including the release of a studio album, and are waiting. We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artist.”

The NewJeans members, meanwhile, put out a statement through their lawyers saying they plan to appeal the decision.

“NewJeans members respect the court’s judgment, but it is impossible to return to this company and continue normal entertainment activities in the current situation where the trust relationship with ADOR is completely shattered,” said the law firm Shin & Kim, as reported by the Korea Times.

NewJeans’ legal battle with ADOR has captivated the K-pop world, where companies like HYBE hold immense power and artists rarely speak out against their labels.

The group found global success in 2023 with the EP Get Up, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spent 26 weeks on the chart. The album’s lead single, “Super Shy,” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200.