NewJeans fans are worried their favorite group might stay tied to ADOR longer than expected. A legal clause could extend their contract past 2030 due to their current hiatus. The group is in a legal battle with their agency, and this pause in activities might add extra years to their deal.
The group debuted in July 2022 under ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary, with a standard seven-year contract set to end in 2029. However, a suspension clause in their contract could push the end date further. This clause allows the agency to pause the contract during inactive periods, meaning the hiatus time doesn’t count toward the original term.
A viral post on Korean forum theqoo sparked concerns after a legal expert explained the clause. The post, titled “NewJeans’ Contract Period Keeps Getting Extended,” gained over 80,000 views. Fans fear the group could lose years of their prime if the legal fight drags on.
“If the current legal situation remains unresolved and the group stays inactive, this clause could prolong their contract. Many idol contracts have such provisions to protect agencies during disputes or breaks.”
NewJeans announced a hiatus in March 2025 after a court ruled in favor of ADOR. The agency filed an injunction to stop the group from independent promotions. The members performed under the name NJZ at ComplexCon Hong Kong but later paused all activities.
“This might be our last performance for a little while. We’ve decided to pause all activities out of respect for the court’s decision. It wasn’t easy, but it’s necessary for us now,” said member Hanni during the concert.
ADOR responded by saying they were disappointed. They called the performance under a different name a breach of the court order. The agency insists the contract is still valid and hopes to discuss the future with the group.
“We are deeply disappointed by their decision to perform under another name and announce a hiatus unilaterally. ADOR remains committed to supporting NewJeans under the existing contract.”
The legal battle started when NewJeans tried to terminate their contract in late 2024. They accused ADOR of failing to protect them and breaking trust. The agency denied these claims and filed a lawsuit to confirm the contract’s validity.
Fans, called Bunnies, are frustrated. Many believe the members are too young to be stuck in a long legal fight. Some even suggest the group should leave the industry if it means freedom from ADOR. Over 30,000 fans signed a petition supporting the members’ decision.
“We support the members’ choice to end their contract. Forcing them to stay with a company they don’t trust will only hurt their careers and happiness,” the petition stated.
Legal experts say the case could take years. The first hearing was in April 2025, with the next set for June. NewJeans has hired 13 lawyers, while ADOR has 12, showing how serious the fight is. The group claims they have already repaid ADOR’s investments and want out.
“Our trust in ADOR is broken. We gave them time to fix issues, but they failed. Forcing us to stay five more years is unfair and inhumane,” the group said in a past statement.
The suspension clause is common in K-pop contracts. It protects agencies if artists take long breaks. However, fans argue it’s being used to control NewJeans during the dispute. No official statement confirms if ADOR will enforce it yet.
ADOR’s parent company HYBE has stayed mostly quiet. The group’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin, was removed in 2024, which NewJeans protested. They demanded her return, but ADOR refused, leading to the current conflict.
NewJeans’ last release before the hiatus was a new song, “Pit Stop,” performed at ComplexCon. The members wore NJZ-branded outfits, and merchandise was sold under the new name. ADOR claims this was unauthorized and violated their contract.
The court’s injunction stops NewJeans from signing solo deals or releasing music without ADOR’s approval. The group plans to challenge it, saying they have stronger evidence for the main lawsuit. They believe the truth will come out eventually.
“We will keep fighting no matter what. We promise to meet our fans again soon,” said member Danielle.
Industry watchers say the case could change how K-pop contracts work. If NewJeans wins, it may give other idols more power to leave unfair deals. If ADOR wins, agencies could keep stricter control over artists.
For now, NewJeans remains on hold. Their future depends on the court’s final decision. Fans hope for a quick resolution so the group can return to music soon.
Credits: Sources include Korea Herald, Teen Vogue, and Time.
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