The ongoing legal confrontation between NewJeans and their agency ADOR has taken a significant turn as the group has filed an appeal just hours after the court ruled in favor of ADOR regarding the validity of their exclusive contracts. The five members of NewJeans—Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein—have stated unequivocally that they have no intention of returning to ADOR despite the court’s verdict. This development marks a pivotal moment in the K-pop scene as both parties prepare for further legal battles in the higher courts.
The Court's Ruling: ADOR Prevails in Contract Validity
On October 30, the Seoul Central District Court made a pivotal ruling in favor of ADOR concerning the exclusive contracts held with NewJeans. The court upheld the validity of these contracts, deciding against NewJeans on all major claims made by the group.
According to the court’s findings, ADOR was found not to have violated the exclusive contracts in any capacity. The dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin, who had a significant impact on the group's management and success, was ruled insufficient to justify the termination of the agreements. The judge emphasized that:
The dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin alone did not create a management vacuum or prove that ADOR lacked the ability to fulfill its duties.
Furthermore, the court addressed an issue raised by Hanni, where she felt that she had been "ignored" by a manager from another label. After scrutinizing CCTV footage from HYBE’s premises, the judge concluded that Hanni was greeted by other employees, thereby finding no substantial evidence that supported her claim of mistreatment. The court clarified that it lacked sufficient proof to acknowledge any violations of personal rights, solidifying its stance against NewJeans' claims.
NewJeans' Defiance: “Returning Is Impossible”
In a decisive response to the court's ruling, NewJeans expressed their unwavering stance through their legal representatives, Sejong Law Firm. While the group respects the court's decision, they made it abundantly clear that they consider any possibility of returning to ADOR as untenable due to the complete erosion of trust.
The official statement read:
The members respect the court’s decision; however, given that the relationship of trust with ADOR has already been completely destroyed, they hold the position that it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities.
Following this assertion, NewJeans formally initiated an appeal, signaling their determination to continue this legal fight. The group is intent on persuading the appellate court to reassess the facts and legal principles surrounding the termination of their exclusive contracts, hoping for a favorable resolution.
This proactive move indicates NewJeans’ commitment to assert their rights, even as they remain bound by an injunction restricting their ability to undertake independent entertainment activities without ADOR’s approval. The road ahead looks challenging, especially given that NewJeans has effectively been on hiatus since March 2025, without any public performances following their last release, “How Sweet,” in May 2024.
The Future Outlook: Extended Legal Battle Ahead
As the appeal process unfolds, the ongoing legal conflict between NewJeans and ADOR is poised to extend for several more months, if not longer. The case will transition to a higher court, where both parties will have the opportunity to refine their arguments and introduce new evidence, indicating a complex legal showdown.
Both ADOR and NewJeans have engaged high-profile attorneys, including former judges, further illustrating the seriousness with which each side approaches this continuing dispute. As the legal complexities develop, fans may find themselves in a waiting game as uncertainties surrounding NewJeans’ future linger. The prospect of new music or public appearances appears grim at this moment.
Interestingly, despite the ongoing legal issues, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has charted her own course forward. Having recently established a new entertainment agency named “Ooak,” which aims to focus on artist management, music production, and event planning, there had been prior speculation about a potential reunion with NewJeans contingent upon the court's ruling. However, the court's decision to favor ADOR effectively quashes that possibility for the foreseeable future.
For fans and industry watchers, this dramatic case not only affects NewJeans’ trajectory but also highlights the broader complexities within the K-pop industry. Hurdles such as exclusive contracts and the relationships between artists and their agencies are at the forefront of this ongoing saga.
As NewJeans embarks on their appeal, all eyes will be on the legal developments to follow. The hope for fans is that a resolution may come swiftly, allowing the talented group to return to the stage and continue their artistic journey.
In summary, NewJeans has taken a firm stand following the court's ruling in favor of ADOR, stating that a return to the agency is out of the question. With an appeal filed, the case will move to a higher court, where future proceedings will determine the next steps in this gripping legal drama. Fans and observers can expect a drawn-out process that will unfold as both sides present their cases in the months to come.
