K-pop group NewJeans has failed in its legal attempt to terminate its contract with its label, Ador, after a Seoul court ruled on Tuesday that the agreement, which runs until 2029, remains valid.
The five-member group: Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji had announced last year that they were leaving the agency, alleging mistreatment and manipulation. According to local reports, the group has vowed to appeal the ruling, saying it is «impossible to return to Ador» or continue activities under the label.
Court Rules Contract Still Binding
The Seoul Central District Court rejected NewJeans’ argument that the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been the group’s mentor, amounted to a breach of contract. The members said her removal destroyed their trust in the agency, but the court disagreed.
Following the decision, Ador said it hoped the ruling would allow the artists to «calmly reflect on this matter». The label added that it is prepared for the group’s upcoming projects, including an album release, and is now «waiting» for their participation.
The case has drawn widespread attention in South Korea, where entertainment agencies hold significant control over their artists and public disputes of this kind are extremely rare.
Rapid Rise Before the Rift
Formed in July 2022, NewJeans quickly became one of K-pop’s most successful new acts, with members aged between 17 and 21. Their debut single Attention topped charts soon after release, and their 2023 hit SuperShy was featured on «best of the year» lists by Rolling Stone, NME and Billboard.
Critics hailed the group as a «game-changer» for blending 1990s R&B with fresh pop melodies, standing out in a scene dominated by electronic dance music.
A Year of Conflict
The ruling follows a prolonged standoff between the group and Ador that began in 2024. Tensions erupted when Ador’s parent company, Hybe, home to BTS and Seventeen, launched an audit of Ador and asked Min Hee-jin to step down as CEO.
Min denied accusations that she planned to form a rival company but was dismissed in August 2024. NewJeans demanded her reinstatement and, when refused, publicly accused the label of undermining their careers. Member Hanni also claimed she faced workplace harassment.
In December, Ador filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of its contract with the group. Meanwhile, NewJeans attempted to rebrand as NJZ and prepared to release new music, but promotions were halted after a court injunction.
The group performed the track once in Hong Kong before announcing a hiatus. Following the court’s earlier decision in March, the members said the ruling had been «a shock» but vowed to «go through it together».
