The Seoul Central District Court has ruled in favor of K-pop label Ador in the legal dispute with NewJeans, blocking the group from undertaking independent activities under the name NJZ until a final decision is made.
This injunction follows allegations from NewJeans that Ador violated exclusivity agreements, leading the group to terminate their contracts in November and pursue independent ventures.
The members accused Ador of mistreatment, and tensions escalated in January when Ador sought an injunction to prevent the group from continuing their independent promotions.
The court’s decision supports Ador’s argument that NewJeans’ accusations were insufficient to justify contract termination.
As a result, the group is prohibited from engaging in activities outside of the label’s oversight, including releasing new music and debuting under the name NJZ.
The legal conflict began in August 2024 when NewJeans, which includes members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, raised concerns about workplace harassment and management disputes with Ador’s parent company, Hybe. They claimed these issues amounted to a breach of contract. However, the court found their claims inadequate to justify terminating the contract.
NewJeans expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, claiming they were not given a fair opportunity to present their case.
Despite respecting the decision, the group plans to appeal. Ador has defended its treatment of NewJeans, asserting the label’s actions were appropriate and maintaining that the group’s activities should remain under the label’s control.
