Hanni Shares NJZ’s Plan to Find a New Agency for Better Communication Following Court Ruling Against Independent Activities in Ongoing Legal Fight with ADOR
The K-pop group NJZ, once known as NewJeans, is facing a challenging chapter in their career. On March 21, 2025, they suffered a legal setback when the Seoul Central District Court dismissed their injunction against their agency, ADOR. This ruling banned the group—made up of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—from signing advertising deals or engaging in other entertainment activities without ADOR’s approval. Yet, NJZ isn’t backing down. In an interview with TIME magazine on March 22, Hanni, the group’s main vocalist, revealed that they are searching for a new agency to support them during this tough time.
A Setback in Court
The court’s decision came after NJZ tried to end their exclusive contract with ADOR, claiming a breakdown in trust and mistreatment. However, the judge sided with ADOR, meaning the group must stay under the agency’s management until their contract runs out in July 2029—unless they win their main lawsuit, set for April 3, 2025. For now, the injunction stops them from working independently, putting their plans on hold.
ADOR welcomed the ruling. In a statement, they said:
“We’re thankful for the court’s decision. As NJZ’s agency, we’ll keep supporting them and their upcoming projects.”
Despite the legal constraints, NJZ went ahead with their scheduled performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong, showing their commitment to their fans.
Hanni Speaks Out: A New Agency on the Horizon?
The day after the ruling, NJZ sat down with TIME magazine to share their side of the story. Hanni opened up about their next steps, saying the group is looking for a new agency to help them “communicate with other people.” She didn’t say if they’ve already found one or are still in talks, but her words hint at a bigger plan. It seems NJZ wants a third party to step in—maybe to help with their legal fight or to manage their public image while they deal with ADOR and its parent company, HYBE.
When asked about the ruling’s impact, NJZ stayed strong. They told TIME:
“Compared to everything we’ve been through so far, this is just another step in our journey.”
This shows they’re not giving up, even with the odds stacked against them. Hanni also made it clear that their search for a new agency isn’t just about the lawsuit—it’s about pushing for “change and growth” in the K-pop industry.
Shutting Down Rumors
Fans have been buzzing about whether NJZ might join Beasts and Natives Alike (BANA), a label that produced some of their biggest hits. The rumors started because of ties between BANA’s founder, Kim Ki Hyun, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. But Hanni put those rumors to rest in the TIME interview, saying they’re still looking for a new agency. The group’s parents backed her up, posting on their joint Instagram that the BANA claims were false.
Why This Matters
NJZ’s fight with ADOR isn’t just about them—it’s shining a light on bigger issues in K-pop. Their call for “change and growth” points to things like fairer contracts and better treatment for artists. The outcome of their lawsuit next month could shape how other groups handle disputes with their agencies. For now, NJZ is focused on their music and their fans, proving they won’t let this setback define them.
