On March 21, 2025, News 1 revealed that the Seoul Central District Court issued a ruling favoring ADOR, effectively restraining NJZ (previously known as NewJeans) from engaging in any independent activities. The court granted ADOR’s request for an injunction, preventing the group from entering into advertising contracts or participating in entertainment endeavors without prior consent from ADOR.
While this ruling does not definitively resolve the ongoing dispute regarding their exclusive contracts, it mandates that NJZ adhere to ADOR’s directives until a new ruling clarifies the legality of their contract. It’s important to note that this injunction is temporary; NJZ has the right to appeal the decision within a week, which could potentially suspend the injunction. Thus, while the injunction is in place, the fundamental issue regarding the validity of their contract remains unsettled.
According to a translation of the court report, the ruling stated:
“Adore is positioned as the management company for New Jeans’ members under an exclusive contract. The members are prohibited from participating in entertainment activities independently or through third parties without prior approval from Ador.”
The court further expressed:
“It is not appropriate to determine that a gap was created in the creation of New Jeans or that Ador lacks the intention or capability to fulfill its obligations merely because former CEO Min Hee-jin was terminated.”
This injunction significantly limits NJZ’s ability to operate under their new name and pursue solo projects until further legal clarity is achieved. ADOR asserted that the members remain bound by their contracts despite their claims of termination.
The court supported ADOR’s argument, indicating there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the agency had significantly breached its contractual obligations, thus rendering the termination invalid at this time.
The pending lawsuit will ultimately determine whether NJZ’s withdrawal from ADOR was legitimate or if they are obligated to continue under the agency’s umbrella. Until a decision is reached, the members are subject to the court’s restrictions, which may significantly affect their upcoming appearances, including a scheduled performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong on March 23.
The Ongoing Legal Dispute: NJZ vs. ADOR – What Lies Ahead?
The conflict between NJZ and ADOR originated in November 2024 when the group publicly announced their departure, citing unfair treatment and a lack of support from the label. The members revealed their new name and commenced independent activities.
In response, ADOR contested this termination and sought legal recourse, filing a lawsuit in December to uphold the validity of the contracts.
In January, ADOR applied for an injunction to stop the members from signing independent endorsement deals, later expanding the request to prohibit all entertainment activities. The agency argued that allowing NJZ to operate autonomously would undermine ADOR’s management rights. Ultimately, the court sided with ADOR, reinforcing its control over the group for the time being.
Despite this legal hurdle, NJZ retains the option to appeal. The outcome of the primary lawsuit will be crucial; if the court rules in favor of NJZ, they may regain complete independence. Conversely, if ADOR wins, NJZ may have to either return to the agency or potentially face further legal repercussions.
The timing of this injunction is particularly critical, as the group was gearing up for their performance at ComplexCon. Their participation is now in jeopardy unless approved by ADOR.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the future trajectory of NJZ remains uncertain. Their quest for independence hinges on the results of their appeal and the primary litigation. The appeal will ultimately ascertain whether their severance from ADOR was legitimate.