Jaehwa Bernardo

K-pop group NewJeans. Photo from NewJeans' X account

Article (news)

Court rules NewJeans' exclusive contract with ADOR valid: report

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761797483597NewJeans.jfif" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">K-pop group NewJeans.<em> Photo from NewJeans&#x27; X account</em></span></span></span></div><p><strong>(UPDATE) </strong>A court in Seoul, South Korea, upheld Thursday the validity of the exclusive contract between NewJeans and its label ADOR, effectively rejecting the K-pop girl group&#x27;s bid to terminate its contract and leave the agency, according to reports.</p><p>The Seoul Central District Court ruled Thursday that the contract between the five-member act and ADOR was valid, resulting in a complete defeat for the group in its legal battle, Yonhap News Agency <a href="https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251030006900315"><strong>reported</strong></a>.</p><p>The court did not accept the group&#x27;s argument that the dismissal of their former CEO Min Hee-jin was a violation of their contract, according to Yonhap.</p><p>In a statement reportedly made through their legal representative, the members of NewJeans said they would appeal the court&#x27;s decision.</p><p>In November, NewJeans announced it would part ways with ADOR, with the members saying trust between the two sides had been broken.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2024/11/28/k-pop-group-newjeans-to-terminate-contract-with-label-ador-2011"><strong>READ: NewJeans to terminate contract with label ADOR<br/></strong></a></div><p>This prompted ADOR to reportedly file a lawsuit, as the group attempted to pursue independent activities outside of the agency.</p><p>In March, a court also banned NewJeans from engaging in activities outside the label.</p><p>ADOR had previously expressed hopes that NewJeans would &quot;return to their rightful place&quot; and resume activities under the agency, vowing to provide &quot;full support for the artists&#x27; further growth and success.&quot;</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/6/18/k-pop-label-ador-hopes-newjeans-resume-activities-after-new-court-ruling-1500"><strong>READ: K-pop label ADOR hopes NewJeans resume activities after new court ruling<br/></strong></a></div><p>This development marks the latest chapter in the dispute between ADOR and its parent company, HYBE, against NewJeans along with their producer Min Hee-jin.</p><p>The conflict began in April 2024, when HYBE — also home to leading K-pop acts such as BTS and SEVENTEEN — sought to remove Min over an alleged breach of trust.</p><p>Min, in turn, accused HYBE of copying her star-making formula for another girl group under the company.</p><p>As tensions escalated, NewJeans member Hanni testified before South Korean lawmakers investigating workplace conditions, alleging that she had experienced workplace bullying.</p><p>Since their 2022 debut, NewJeans have rapidly risen to stardom with a sound that nostalgically blends 1990s and early 2000s pop and R&amp;B influences.</p><div><strong>FROM THE ARCHIVES</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/waAC1Yf3BB4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><strong></strong><br/></div>

<p>A court in Seoul, South Korea, has upheld the validity of the exclusive contract between NewJeans and its label, ADOR, effectively rejecting the K-pop girl group's bid to terminate its contract and leave the agency, according to reports.</p>

A court in Seoul, South Korea, has upheld the validity of the exclusive contract between NewJeans and its label, ADOR, effectively rejecting the K-pop girl group's bid to terminate its contract and leave the agency, according to reports.