NewJeans loses contract validity case against ADOR, to remain with agency until 2029

K-pop group NewJeans has lost its lawsuit against record label ADOR after the court ruled that the exclusive contracts with the five members are valid.

In a report by Soompi, the Seoul Central District Court rejected the NewJeans' argument that their contract became invalid after the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also the group's mentor.

"It is difficult to conclude that ADOR breached the exclusive contract solely by dismissing former CEO Min Hee Jin," the court stated.

"Even if Min Hee Jin was removed from the CEO position, she could have performed producer duties as a director on the board, and it was not necessary for her to remain CEO to do so," they added.

According to them, ADOR still "continued efforts to carry on management work with the defendants" even after Hee-jin's dismissal.

"It is hard to see whether Min Hee Jin’s dismissal is a core issue that determines the continued validity of the exclusive contract, and there is no clause in the contract that provides a basis for this," the court said.

"Considering preparations for album releases, performances and fan meetings, and advertising and tour plans, it is difficult to conclude that the plaintiff neglected its management obligations," they added.

The court also dismissed the claim that NewJeans member Hanni suffered workplace harassment from a manager of BELIFT LAB’s girl group ILLIT, reasoning that it was difficult to conclude that the remarks she heard "rose to the level of infringing her personality rights."

With the ruling, NewJeans must now maintain their exclusive contract with ADOR until 2029.

ADOR and NewJeans react to the ruling

In a statement, ADOR expressed its gratitude for the court's decision and reiterated that the company did not violate any obligations as a management agency and that "any attempt to break away from the exclusive contracts by citing a breakdown in trust should not be permitted."

Since the artists claimed termination of the exclusive contracts in November last year, we have been watching the series of processes—the main lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contracts, the injunction application to prevent confusion until the main judgment is issued, the court’s decision to grant the injunction, the artists’ immediate appeal, and the decision to dismiss it—with a heavy heart and have responded carefully throughout," they said.

They noted how the court has consistently ruled in favor of them and that the artists should carry out entertainment activities with them.

"We sincerely hope that today’s result, which once again affirms the same conclusion after a long period of examining various claims and facts, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reconsider this matter," ADOR stated.

"We, too, will once again reaffirm our role and responsibilities as a management agency under the exclusive contracts. As stated during the trial, we have completed preparations for future activities including the release of a full-length album and are ready to proceed. Through discussions with the artists, we will do our utmost to return to fans as soon as possible," they added.

However, a legal representative for NewJeans announced that they are planning to appeal the court's decision.

"The members respect the court’s decision, but given that their relationship of trust with ADOR has completely collapsed, they believe it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue their activities in the entertainment industry in a normal manner," the legal counsel said.

"Accordingly, the members will immediately appeal the first-instance ruling, and they hope the appellate court will once again comprehensively review the facts to date and the legal principles governing termination of the exclusive contracts and render a wise judgment," they added.

NewJeans, composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, made their debut in 2022 and became known for their hit songs, How Sweet, Bubble Gum, Right Now, Supernatural, and Hype Boy, among others. 

They left ADOR in November 2024, with Hanni alleging they had "faced mistreatment, not just towards us but also including our staff," without elaborating.

But ADOR insisted that their contract "remains in full effect" and therefore, they "respectfully request that the group continue its collaboration with ADOR on upcoming activities, as has been the practice to date." 

The girl group, now branding themselves as NJZ, is currently on a temporary hiatus amid the dispute.