NewJeans has officially concluded their work as promotional ambassadors for Incheon Airport Customs after their contract was not renewed due to ongoing legal issues with their agency ADOR.
The group was appointed in March 2024 but faced challenges in fulfilling their duties because of internal conflicts between ADOR and HYBE. The customs office has now started searching for a new ambassador.
NewJeans’ Ambassador Role Comes to an End
Incheon Airport Customs announced on July 15, 2025 that their contract with NewJeans has ended. The group was first chosen for the role in March 2024 to help promote customs services and welcome international travelers.
However, just one month after their appointment, disputes between ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE became public. These conflicts reportedly made it difficult for NewJeans to fully participate in ambassador activities.
“We held discussions about extending the contract, but due to various circumstances, continuing was not possible,” said an Incheon Airport Customs official.
The customs office has not yet named a replacement but has a history of working with major K-pop groups like BLACKPINK and Girls’ Generation for this role.
Legal Issues Affected NewJeans’ Duties
NewJeans’ legal battle with ADOR over their exclusive contracts played a big part in the contract not being renewed. The group had been restricted from independent promotions since a court ruled in favor of ADOR in March 2025.
Fans noticed that banners featuring NewJeans at Incheon Airport were quietly removed earlier this year. The group’s limited public appearances due to the legal disputes reduced their visibility as ambassadors.
“NewJeans was a great fit for promoting Korea’s image, but the situation made it hard to continue,” an industry insider shared.
What’s Next for Incheon Airport Customs?
The customs office is now looking for a new ambassador to represent them. Previous ambassadors like BLACKPINK helped boost tourism, and the next choice will likely be another popular K-pop group.
Meanwhile, NewJeans is still dealing with legal challenges. Their next court hearing is scheduled for July 24, 2025, where the validity of their contracts with ADOR will be further examined.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
Many fans expressed disappointment over the end of NewJeans’ ambassador role. The group had a strong connection with international travelers, and their removal marks the end of an era.
The situation also highlights how legal disputes between artists and agencies can affect brand partnerships. Companies often avoid working with artists involved in contract conflicts to prevent risks.
“We hope NewJeans resolves their issues soon. They were perfect for this role,” a fan commented online.
Background on NewJeans and ADOR’s Conflict
NewJeans debuted under ADOR in 2021 and quickly became one of K-pop’s biggest girl groups. However, tensions between ADOR’s leadership and HYBE led to public disputes, affecting the group’s activities.
In 2024, NewJeans members publicly demanded the return of former CEO Min Hee Jin, further escalating the conflict. The legal battle over their contracts has been ongoing since then.
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The group’s situation is being closely watched as it could influence how K-pop agencies handle artist contracts in the future.
