The legal battle between K-pop group NewJeans (now rebranded as NJZ) and their agency ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, has taken a new turn. Lawyers for the group claim that HYBE was threatened by NewJeans’ rapid success and saw them as potential rivals to BTS, leading to tensions and the removal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.
The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2024, escalated when NewJeans attempted to terminate their contract with ADOR, citing mistreatment and unfair conditions. The group’s legal team recently argued in court that HYBE’s actions were driven by fear of competition, particularly after NewJeans achieved massive success in just two years.
NewJeans’ Lawyers Claim HYBE Felt Threatened by Their Success
During a recent hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, lawyers representing NewJeans made a bold argument: HYBE allegedly saw the group as a threat to BTS’ dominance. They suggested that HYBE’s leadership, including Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, was uncomfortable with the idea of a girl group under Min Hee Jin’s leadership becoming too successful.
“There are many multi-labels, but why does HYBE hate ADOR so much? The reason is that Chairman Bang Si Hyuk made BTS a huge success, but he has never made a girl group successful,” said NewJeans’ legal team.
“However, when Min Hee Jin hit it big with NewJeans in just two years, they were happy on one hand but also wary on the other. When Min Hee Jin directly brought up the unfair push-out and copy issues with HYBE, they immediately started an audit.”
The lawyers implied that HYBE’s audit of ADOR in 2024 was not just about business concerns but also about controlling Min Hee Jin’s influence after NewJeans became a global phenomenon.
BTS Mention Sparks Backlash From Fans
The comparison to BTS has caused a strong reaction online, especially among ARMYs (BTS fans), who feel the group is being dragged into a conflict they have no part in. Many fans expressed frustration, arguing that BTS should not be used as a point of comparison in the legal dispute.
HYBE and ADOR have not directly responded to the claims about BTS. However, the controversy has fueled speculation about internal power struggles within HYBE’s multi-label system.
The Legal Battle Continues With No Resolution in Sight
Despite multiple court hearings, no settlement has been reached. The court has scheduled a closed-door mediation session for August 14, 2025, where both ADOR and NewJeans must present a formal plan. If mediation fails, a final ruling will be issued on October 30, 2025.
The case began when NewJeans attempted to leave ADOR in late 2024, accusing the agency of mistreatment and unfair contract terms. ADOR, in response, filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the group’s contract, which runs until 2029.
NewJeans’ Struggle for Independence
After leaving ADOR, the group rebranded as NJZ and planned a comeback at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March 2025. However, ADOR secured a court injunction, blocking them from performing under the new name.
“We respect the court’s decision, but we believe it did not fully consider the complete breakdown of trust between us and ADOR,” NJZ said in a statement.
The members have been vocal about their struggles, with Hanni even testifying before South Korea’s National Assembly about workplace harassment at HYBE.
What’s Next for NewJeans and ADOR?
The upcoming mediation session in August could be a turning point. If no agreement is reached, the court’s final decision in October will determine whether NewJeans can legally separate from ADOR or if they must remain under HYBE’s control.
Meanwhile, fans continue to support the group, with many hoping for a resolution that allows NJZ to continue their music independently.
Also read: NewJeans Members Spark Online Debate Over Wine Photo Amid Antidepressant Medication Claims
Credits: Dispatch, NewJeans & BTS X
