A South Korean court has ruled that the exclusive contract between the K-pop group NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, remains valid. The decision, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on October 30, effectively ends a nearly year-long legal battle initiated by the group to terminate their agreement, confirming their contractual obligations extend until 2029.
The ruling is the latest development in a highly publicized dispute that saw the group members attempt to part ways with their label, citing mistreatment and a breakdown of trust. With the court's decision, ADOR has announced its intention to resume the group's activities, including the release of a new album.
Key Takeaways
- The Seoul Central District Court confirmed NewJeans' exclusive contract with ADOR is valid until 2029.
- The court rejected the group's claims that ADOR had breached its management duties.
- ADOR has stated it is prepared to resume the group's activities, including a planned studio album.
- The ruling follows an almost year-long legal conflict that began in November 2024.
Court Delivers Final Verdict in Dispute
The Seoul Central District Court's decision brings a definitive legal conclusion to the conflict between NewJeans and ADOR. The court affirmed the validity of the exclusive contract, finding that the agency had not violated its management responsibilities towards the artists.
Furthermore, the court dismissed the group's argument that the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin constituted a breach of contract. This point had been a significant part of the members' case for termination.
This ruling follows a series of legal setbacks for the group, including the Seoul High Court's earlier rejection of an appeal filed by members Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji. The courts have consistently sided with the agency, reinforcing ADOR's legal standing as the group's management.
A Timeline of the Conflict
The dispute began publicly in November 2024 when NewJeans announced their intention to leave ADOR. The members alleged mistreatment, manipulation, and a lack of sincerity from the label. The group briefly rebranded as NJZ in February 2025 before a court decision in March affirmed ADOR as their exclusive agency, leading them to announce a hiatus.
ADOR's Official Response
Following the court's decision, ADOR released a formal statement expressing its position. The agency conveyed its gratitude for the ruling and detailed the lengthy legal process it had navigated over the past year.
"The court determined that ADOR did not violate any of its duties as a management agency, and that attempts to breach the exclusive contract by creating the appearance of a broken trust relationship should not be permitted. We express our deep gratitude for the court’s decision."
The statement emphasized that multiple court rulings have consistently upheld the label's role. ADOR expressed a hope that the verdict would provide an opportunity for the artists to "calmly reflect on this matter."
The agency also made it clear that it is ready to move forward. "As we stated during the trial, we have completed preparations for the artist’s activities, including the release of a studio album, and are waiting," the statement read. "We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artist."
The Origins of the Dispute
The conflict escalated in late 2024 when NewJeans publicly voiced their grievances against ADOR. The members cited what they described as "countless preventions and contradictions, deliberate miscommunication, and manipulation regarding multiple areas."
Member Hanni provided a particularly sharp critique at the time, accusing the label of losing its focus on musical artistry in favor of financial gain. She described ADOR as "a company that no longer has any sincerity in the art of music that is created, is rather fixated on appearing like a well-working company despite only having thoughts about making money."
In response to these initial claims, ADOR maintained from the beginning that the exclusive contract remained "in full effect," setting the stage for the protracted legal proceedings that have now concluded.
Key Dates in the NewJeans-ADOR Case
- November 2024: NewJeans announces plans to depart from ADOR, citing mistreatment.
- February 2025: The group attempts to rebrand under the name NJZ.
- March 2025: A court rules in favor of ADOR, confirming its status as the exclusive agency. NewJeans announces a hiatus.
- October 30, 2025: The Seoul Central District Court rules the contract is valid until 2029, ending the legal battle.
What's Next for NewJeans?
With the legal framework now firmly established, the future of NewJeans rests on the relationship between the artists and their agency. ADOR's statement suggests a willingness to reconcile and resume work, highlighting completed preparations for a new studio album.
However, the group's public statements have indicated a significant breakdown of trust. The path forward will likely depend on whether both parties can find a way to collaborate professionally despite the contentious history.
For fans, the court's decision brings both clarity and uncertainty. While the group is contractually bound to ADOR, their creative output and public activities will hinge on future discussions. The industry will be watching closely to see how NewJeans and ADOR navigate this new chapter following the court's final word.