Seoul Court Delivers Ruling Favoring ADOR, Impacting NewJeans’ Activities
On March 21, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, issuing an injunction that restricts NewJeans from engaging in independent activities. In a recent report by Pannchoa, it was noted that ADOR has allowed NewJeans to perform at ComplexCon Hong Kong under their established name.
Further updates reveal that ADOR plans to send team members to assist during the upcoming performance while ensuring that the group is prominently listed as “NewJeans.”
According to Yonhap News, the court’s injunction temporarily strengthens ADOR’s exclusive management rights over NewJeans. This ruling places limitations on the group’s ability to participate in performances, endorsements, or any professional endeavors without prior consent from the agency.
Consequently, securing ADOR’s approval becomes crucial for the group to take the stage at the forthcoming ComplexCon event in Hong Kong.
ADOR Expresses Gratitude Following Legal Victory
Following the court’s decision, MK Sports reported on March 21 that ADOR expressed gratitude towards the judicial system for the injunction. The HYBE subsidiary emphasized their commitment to the artists, stating:
“We are deeply grateful for the preliminary injunction court’s wise decision. Since ADOR has been legally confirmed as NewJeans’ company, we will take full responsibility for supporting our artists in the future. We will also provide extensive on-site support so that this weekend’s ComplexCon performance will be held under the name of ‘NewJeans’.”
In February 2025, NewJeans announced a rebranding to “NJZ”and publicized their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong set for March 23. Notably, this performance was organized without ADOR’s sanction, with plans for the group to premiere a new song onstage as NJZ.
The Conflict: Background and Current Developments
The turbulence between NewJeans and ADOR can be traced back to August 2024, when Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, resigned, leading to significant unrest within the group. The members openly campaigned for her reinstatement.
The members issued a 14-day ultimatum to ADOR, threatening to terminate their contracts if Min Hee-jin was not reinstated by November 27, 2024. When the agency did not yield, the group declared the termination of their exclusive contracts on November 28, 2024.
NewJeans accused ADOR of failing to protect their interests, claiming a breach of contract. In response, ADOR contested the validity of the termination, filing for an injunction to assert their exclusive rights over the group and requesting that the members refrain from unauthorized actions.
A preliminary hearing took place on March 7, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court, where the group outlined their grievances, citing mistreatment and discrimination by ADOR, which they believed constituted a breach of trust justifying their actions.
Conversely, the CEO of ADOR advocated for the group’s return, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to nurturing the members’ careers.
Following the court’s decision, ADOR expressed interest in establishing open communication with the group, indicating a willingness to directly address their concerns:
“We look forward to meeting the artists and having a heart-to-heart conversation with them as soon as possible. We sincerely ask that you send your warm support and encouragement to NewJeans, which will grow again together with ADOR.”
Looking ahead, the first court hearing regarding ADOR’s lawsuit against NewJeans is scheduled for April 4, 2025. This case seeks to clarify the validity of the contract and the legal implications of NJZ’s unilateral termination.