The popular K-pop group NewJeans has lost its appeal in a legal battle against their management company, ADOR. The Seoul High Court dismissed their request to lift a ban on independent activities, keeping the group under ADOR’s control. The next hearing is set for July 24, 2025.
This decision is a major setback for NewJeans, who wanted to work freely under their new name, NJZ. The court ruled that ADOR has the exclusive right to manage the group’s activities, including music releases, promotions, and endorsements.
The legal fight started when ADOR filed an injunction to stop NewJeans from working independently. The group had rebranded as NJZ and planned to release new music and perform without ADOR’s approval. However, the court sided with the agency, saying the contracts are still valid.
NewJeans argued that their trust in ADOR was broken and that they should be allowed to leave.
“The trust relationship has already been completely broken,” their lawyers said in court. “We have crossed a river of no return. It will not be easy.”
Despite this, the court rejected their appeal, meaning the group cannot sign deals, release music, or perform without ADOR’s permission.
Background of the Conflict
NewJeans debuted in 2022 under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, the company behind BTS. They quickly became one of the biggest K-pop acts, with hits like “Super Shy” and “OMG.” However, tensions grew after ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin, left the company in late 2024.
The group accused ADOR of unfair treatment and mismanagement. In November 2024, they announced they were terminating their contracts and rebranding as NJZ. ADOR then sued to block their independent activities, leading to the current legal battle.
The next court hearing on July 24 will decide if NewJeans can legally leave ADOR. If the court rules in ADOR’s favor, the group may have to stay under the agency until their contracts expire in 2029.
Fans, known as “Bunnies,” have shown strong support for NewJeans. Many hope the group can regain creative freedom, but the legal process could take months or even years.
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