On July 22, 2025, ADOR, the label under HYBE, posted an animated tribute video celebrating NewJeans‘ 3rd debut anniversary. The video featured the members as animated characters and launched a content marathon on YouTube. However, fans quickly criticized the post, calling it a “fake display of affection” due to the ongoing legal dispute between the group and ADOR. The conflict has left NewJeans inactive for over a year, making the anniversary celebration seem hollow to many supporters.
“Stop this fake display of affection. Guess who’s giving ‘obsessive ex’ vibes?” โ Fan comment on X .
The tribute came just days before a court hearing scheduled for July 24, where ADOR and NewJeans will continue their legal battle over contract termination. Fans expressed frustration, pointing out that ADOR has blocked the group’s independent activities while publicly celebrating their anniversary.
NewJeans’ Legal Dispute with ADOR
The conflict began in late 2024 when NewJeans terminated their contracts with ADOR, alleging mistreatment and lack of creative control. ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, filed an injunction to prevent the members from pursuing independent activities under the name NJZ. Courts ruled in favor of ADOR, prohibiting NewJeans from signing new deals or releasing music without the label’s approval .
In March 2025, NewJeans announced a temporary hiatus after performing at ComplexCon Hong Kong as NJZ. The group stated they were pausing activities to respect the court’s decision but vowed to continue fighting the legal battle . ADOR responded by expressing disappointment, claiming the groupโs actions violated their contract.
“We are deeply disappointed by the decision to proceed with a performance under a different name instead of NewJeans.” โ ADORโs official statement .
Fan Reactions Divide Over ADORโs Anniversary Post
Many fans found ADORโs anniversary tribute insincere, given the legal restrictions preventing NewJeans from promoting as a group. Social media reactions were overwhelmingly negative, with supporters accusing ADOR of hypocrisy.
“Posting a group’s anniversary knowing full well you are doing every possible thing to make sure they’re never a group again is so diabolical.” โ Fan comment on X .
Others expressed sadness over NewJeans’ absence, with one fan writing:
“It feels like nothing. I miss my girlies.” .
Some fans organized protests earlier in March 2025, parking trucks outside HYBEโs headquarters with messages urging reconciliation. One sign read:
“Stubborn parents / Children in court / Who is this lawsuit really for?” .
ADORโs Legal Actions Against Malicious Posts
Despite the dispute, ADOR has continued to take legal action against online harassment targeting NewJeans. In June 2025, the label announced it was pursuing cases against defamatory posts, deepfake content, and privacy violations. One YouTuber faced significant damages after a court ruled in favor of NewJeans in a civil lawsuit .
“We will continue to uphold a zero-tolerance policy for similar cases in the future.” โ ADORโs statement on legal actions .
Whatโs Next for NewJeans?
With the July 24 court hearing approaching, the future of NewJeans remains uncertain. The group has lost multiple appeals, and ADOR maintains that their contract is still valid. If NewJeans violates the courtโs injunction, each member could face penalties of 1 billion won (approx. $734,000) per unauthorized activity .
While ADOR has expressed hopes for reconciliation, NewJeans has firmly stated they have “crossed a point of no return” . The legal battle has divided fans, with some supporting the groupโs independence and others urging a resolution to revive NewJeansโ career.
Also read: NewJeans Marks Bittersweet 3rd Anniversary Amid Legal Battle and Hiatus
Credits: Compiled from verified reports by Music Business Worldwide, and The Fader.
