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

A court in Seoul banned Friday K-pop girl group NewJeans from pursuing "independent activities," according to reports.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, a subsidiary of K-pop giant HYBE that debuted NewJeans in 2022, blocking the group from engaging in independent activities outside the label, the Yonhap News Agency and other Korean media outlets reported.

In a statement, ADOR expressed "sincere gratitude" for the court decision.

"With our status as NewJeans' exclusive agency now legally affirmed, we are fully committed to supporting the artists going forward," the label said.

ADOR assured it would be present at a music festival in Hong Kong this weekend, where the group is set to perform.

"We will be fully present at ComplexCon this weekend to guarantee the performance is presented under the NewJeans name. We eagerly anticipate meeting with the artists for a heartfelt conversation at the earliest opportunity," it said.

This development is the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR against NewJeans and their mentor, Min Hee-jin.

In November, the five members of NewJeans announced in an emergency press conference that they would terminate their contracts with ADOR, accusing the label of mistreatment.

READ: 5 things to know about NewJeans' shock split from agency

ADOR later reportedly filed a complaint that sought to prohibit the quintet, who rebranded as NJZ in February, from engaging in music activities and other promotional endeavors without their approval.

The dispute began in April 2024 when HYBE, home to popular K-pop acts like BTS and SEVENTEEN, attempted to remove ADOR CEO Min over an alleged breach of trust.

Min, however, accused HYBE of copying her star-making formula for another female act under the company.

As the dispute escalated, NewJeans member Hanni testified before South Korean lawmakers overseeing workplace conditions, saying she had experienced workplace bullying.

NewJeans was considered one of K-pop's fastest-rising acts, captivating listeners with their nostalgic blend of 1990s and early 2000s pop and R&B.

FROM THE ARCHIVES