NewJeans Faces Legal Setback Against Ador Agency

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:16:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

K-pop sensation NewJeans suffers a legal defeat in their attempt to sever ties with their record label Ador, as a South Korean court upholds the terms of their contract until 2029.

NewJeans, the rising K-pop group, has lost a legal battle against their agency Ador as a South Korean court ruled their contract, which extends to 2029, remains valid. The group, comprising five members, had sought to leave the label, citing mistreatment and breach of trust stemming from the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin. NewJeans plans to appeal the court's decision amid ongoing tensions and public disputes with the label. The outcome of this case highlights the significant power dynamics within the K-pop industry and the challenges faced by artists in navigating their contracts.

K-pop group NewJeans has lost a legal battle to leave its record label Ador.

A South Korean court on Tuesday ruled that the act's contract with the label, which runs until 2029, remains valid.

The group's five members - Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji - announced last year that they were unilaterally leaving the agency, citing mistreatment and manipulation.

The group has said it will appeal the ruling, according to local media reports.

NewJeans stated it is impossible to return to Ador and continue their activities as normal.

The Seoul Central District Court rejected NewJeans' argument that the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also the group's mentor, constituted a breach of contract. NewJeans alleged that her dismissal broke their trust with the agency.

The case has stunned South Korea, where record labels wield large amounts of power and tightly control their stars, making rebellion from artists a rare occurrence.

Formed in July 2022, NewJeans had seen rapid success before this fallout, with their first single, Attention, topping Korean charts upon debut and their hit song SuperShy making multiple best of the year lists for 2023.

Critics have labeled them a game-changer for their unique blend of 90s R&B and pop melodies, distinguishing them within the K-pop landscape dominated by electronic beats.

What led us here?

Tuesday's ruling follows a year-long standoff between the chart-topping group and its agency.

The group's announcement to split from Ador came in November last year after a public spat involving Min Hee-jin and Ador, as well as its parent company, Hybe.

Tensions began in April 2024 when Hybe audits were launched into Ador, challenging Min's leadership. Min was dismissed as CEO in August, prompting backlash from NewJeans.

The group demanded her reinstatement, and following Hybe's refusal, voiced serious complaints against the label, including claims of career undermining and workplace harassment.

The legal saga commenced in December when Ador sought court validation of the contract's legitimacy.

The discord continued with the group temporarily rebranding as NJZ and pausing promotions following court injunctions, even as they maintained a performance schedule and announced a hiatus in Hong Kong.

Back in March, after the court's ruling, the group expressed their shock but affirmed a commitment to face the ordeal together.