On March 21, 2025, Sports Kyunghyang, a prominent South Korean news outlet, reported a significant ruling from the Seoul Central District Court’s 50th Civil Agreement Division. The court sided with ADOR, asserting that the members of the girl group must continue their professional activities under the name “NewJeans” rather than the alternative name “NJZ.”
The court’s decision further supported ADOR’s request for an injunction, which now prevents the group’s members from entering into independent advertising contracts. This reinforces ADOR’s control over the group’s promotional strategies and overall management.
Additionally, the court dismissed a critical claim from the NewJeans members regarding HYBE’s CEO, which alleged intentions to undermine the group’s brand value. The statement in question referenced remarks made by the CEO, which suggested a harmful agenda:
“I am considering damaging the NewJeans’ brand value and taking Min Hee-jin and NewJeans down together.”
Upon reviewing the case, the court determined that the allegations made by NJZ did not present enough evidence to justify the termination of their exclusive contracts. The investigation considered claims surrounding former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin’s ousting, disputes with third-party collaborators, and statements attributed to HYBE executives, ultimately concluding that no violations of contract occurred on ADOR’s part.
The verdict also underscored the potential financial and reputational repercussions that ADOR could face should the members continue to operate independently.
Insights into the NJZ vs. ADOR Legal Battle
The ongoing legal conflict emerged in November 2024 when members of NewJeans expressed their intention to terminate their contracts due to Min Hee-jin’s dismissal, arguing that her absence disrupted the group’s production timeline and expressed worries over extended gaps in promotional activity.
They also highlighted incidents of internal strife, leaked information, and statements that suggested HYBE was plotting to harm NewJeans’ brand image.
Nevertheless, the court ruled that these claims failed to prove that ADOR had breached its contractual commitments. It emphasized that ADOR’s management decisions, including the firing of Min Hee-jin, were well within their rights and did not directly infringe on the active contracts with the members.
Moreover, the court dismissed concerns regarding ADOR’s external disputes, clarifying that such conflicts with third parties do not constitute contract violations. The ruling noted that ADOR had satisfactorily met its contractual obligations.
Importantly, the court determined that the unilateral decision made by the members to terminate their contracts was detrimental to the management structure, asserting that:
“It is difficult to see that the claims and materials submitted by the New Jeans members to date have sufficiently proven that ADOR violated important obligations of the exclusive contract.”
As a result of this ruling, the members—who recently adopted the name NJZ—may now be compelled to revert to their original name in light of restrictions on their independent activities.
The quintet is slated to perform at Complex Con in Hong Kong on March 23, where they will debut a new song. However, with the court’s injunction still active, uncertainties linger regarding their capacity to pursue separate endeavors.