On March 21, 2025, the legal saga surrounding NJZ, the rising K-pop group also known as NewJeans, took a significant turn when the Seoul Central District Court sided with their agency, ADOR. This ruling effectively limits NJZ’s ability to engage in independent projects or advertisements beyond the scope of their existing contract.
“It is only a matter of time and the truth will soon be revealed,”NJZ stated.
In response to the verdict, NJZ expressed their disappointment, highlighting that the court failed to adequately consider the breakdown of trust between the group and ADOR. The ruling came shortly after a hearing held on March 7, 2025, which NJZ claims did not allow them ample time to present vital evidence supporting their case.
The group has raised concerns regarding an imbalance of information in the proceedings, pointing out that while ADOR and its parent company, HYBE, have full access to relevant records, NJZ members find themselves needing to independently compile necessary documentation. They fear that retaliation may be a deterrent for others who could provide testimony.
“We NJZ respect the decision of the court. However, the decision in question is the result of lack of sufficient consideration that the members’ trust in ADOR was completely broken,”NJZ remarked.
This injunction is currently temporary, but a more substantial lawsuit concerning NJZ’s contract is pending. A hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2025, during which the group plans to assert the legality of their contract termination. Unlike the injunction hearing, this lawsuit will allow for a broader presentation of evidence, which NJZ believes will bolster their position.
Amidst these legal challenges, NJZ is set to perform at ComplexCon Hong Kong on March 23, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo. The group stated that this decision was made to ensure that neither fans nor event organizers would face adverse effects from their ongoing issues.
“Meanwhile, the Complex concert scheduled for March 23rd has been decided to participate after a lot of worries in order to prevent immortal damage to the fans and many others who are looking forward to it,”they noted.
NJZ has reassured their loyal fanbase, known as “Bunnies,” of their commitment to persevere in their legal battle. They have called upon their supporters to continue standing by them as they navigate this difficult situation.
Fan-Driven Petition to Dismiss ADOR’s Injunction
A petition advocating for the dismissal of ADOR’s injunction against NJZ garnered significant support, amassing over 30,000 signatures from fans by March 12, 2025. Organized by Team Bunnies, a group composed of the fanbase, the petition highlights concerns that if NJZ members were forced back under HYBE’s management, it could create a “hostile environment” for the group, as reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily.
The grassroots effort to collect signatures began on February 24, 2025, as fans sought to amplify their voices in this dispute. The ongoing legal confrontation between NJZ and ADOR revolves around accusations of contract violations and mistreatment, escalating significantly after NJZ announced their intent to terminate their contracts back in November 2024. This was largely attributed to purported negligence from the subsidiary in adequately supporting the group’s needs.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit on January 13, 2025, aimed at enforcing the contracts, which included a request for an injunction to prevent NJZ from pursuing independent activities, citing potential disruptions to business agreements within the K-pop industry. During the March 7, 2025, court hearing, NJZ leveled accusations of workplace harassment, a claim that ADOR has vehemently denied, insisting on the validity of the contracts.