The Seoul Central District Court has ordered K-pop group NewJeans to pay 1 billion KRW ($730,000) per member for each unauthorized entertainment activity. This means the group could face a total fine of 5 billion KRW ($3.65 million) if all five members violate the ruling. The decision comes amid an ongoing legal battle between NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, over contract disputes.
The court ruled that NewJeans violated a previous injunction by performing under a new group name, NJZ, and releasing new music without ADOR’s approval. The penalty applies to future violations, not past activities like their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March. The next hearing in the contract dispute is set for June 5.
NewJeans responded to the ruling, calling it a temporary measure. Their legal team stated that if they win their appeal against the injunction, the fines will no longer apply. The group has been in conflict with ADOR since November 2024, when they attempted to terminate their contracts, citing a breakdown of trust.
ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, filed for legal action to block NewJeans from independent activities. The court sided with the agency, reinforcing its stance that the group must seek approval for all entertainment-related work until the contract dispute is resolved. The case highlights the strict control agencies have over K-pop artists under exclusive contracts.
“The indirect enforcement decision is temporary until the injunction appeal is resolved. If NewJeans wins the appeal, both the injunction and the fine lose effect.” – NewJeans’ legal team
The court noted that NewJeans had shown intent to operate independently, including rebranding as NJZ and releasing new music. This led to concerns about future violations, prompting the heavy financial penalty. Each member—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—could be fined individually, meaning a full-group violation would cost 5 billion KRW.
ADOR initially secured an injunction in March 2025, preventing NewJeans from signing solo deals or performing without approval. The group’s appearance at ComplexCon under the NJZ name triggered the agency’s request for stricter penalties. The court agreed, stating that indirect enforcement was necessary to ensure compliance.
The legal battle began when NewJeans declared their contracts terminated in November 2024. ADOR argued that unilateral termination was invalid without proper grounds. The agency then filed lawsuits to confirm the contract’s validity and block the group’s independent activities. The case has drawn attention to the power dynamics between K-pop agencies and artists.
Fans have been following the case closely, with many expressing support for NewJeans on social media. Some believe the group is fighting for more creative freedom, while others argue that contracts must be honored. The outcome of the June 5 hearing could set a precedent for future disputes in the K-pop industry.
NewJeans debuted in 2022 under ADOR and quickly rose to global fame. Their sudden contract termination attempt and legal struggles have shocked the industry. The group has continued communicating with fans through social media, though their future remains uncertain pending the court’s final decision.
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Credits: Sports Kyunghyang
