Continuation of the Legal Battle Between NewJeans (NJZ) and ADOR
On March 24, 2025, a report by Yonhap News TV highlighted the potential for a prolonged legal dispute between NewJeans, also known as NJZ, and their management company ADOR. The girl group announced their temporary hiatus on March 23, shortly after their performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong, following their decision to refrain from continuing as both NewJeans and ADOR-affiliated artists.
Expert Insights on the Situation
Music critic Kim Do-heon expressed to journalist Seo Hyung-seok that although there is a possibility for an amicable resolution between NJZ and ADOR, it seems both parties are deliberately prolonging the matter. He noted:
“They could reach an agreement during the trial, but they are trying to drag out the issue by continuing to voice their opinions about K-pop.”
Details of the Hiatus and Legal Actions
The announcement of the hiatus came unexpectedly for ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, as it had not been previously discussed with them. According to a TIME Magazine report dated March 21, 2025, ADOR successfully won an injunction that currently prohibits the group from pursuing independent activities or using their newly adopted name, “NJZ.”
In an effort to establish their independence, the group had revealed their new name on February 7, 2025. However, the legal injunction imposed by the court has since hindered their plans. The members opted for a hiatus, perceived by many as a form of rebellion against their management, especially after it was revealed that ADOR expressed dissatisfaction about the group performing under the name NJZ contrary to court rulings.
A Resilient Message from NewJeans at ComplexCon
During their performance at ComplexCon, the group addressed their fans, sharing their feelings about the hiatus:
“It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while. It’s just us taking a step back to pause, take a breath and gather our hearts and ourselves before moving forward.”
Background of the Conflict
The discord between NewJeans and ADOR first came to light in November 2024, following the departure of Min Hee-jin, the group’s mentor and then-CEO of ADOR. Her exit raised significant concerns among members regarding mismanagement and a breach of trust, leading them to request her reinstatement. When these requests went unaddressed, NewJeans issued a 14-day notice to terminate their contracts, culminating in a press conference on November 28, 2024, where they announced their separation from the label.
Legal Proceedings Launched by ADOR
In response to NewJeans’ decision, ADOR contested the legality of the contract termination, maintaining that the agreements remained valid. This triggered the agency to file a lawsuit in December 2024, along with an injunction application in January 2025 to the Seoul Central District Court, aimed at preventing NJZ from pursuing any independent endeavors while asserting ADOR’s exclusive rights over the group.
Following the initial court hearing on March 7, 2025, both sides presented their cases, with the legal complexity hinting at a drawn-out process. As legal experts Jin Bo-ra and Jung Jong-chae noted, such cases entail thorough investigations into contract clauses, exploring allegations of breaches and examining the conduct of the involved parties.
Impending Court Session and Potential Consequences
Looking ahead, the first court session to validate the contract is scheduled for April 3, 2025. Should the court side with ADOR, NewJeans could face penalties ranging from 400 billion won to 600 billion won (approximately $272 million to $408 million), placing immense financial pressure on the group.
For more details on the ongoing legal situation, you can refer to the source here.