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The highly publicized legal dispute between K-pop sensation NewJeans and their agency ADOR is heading to court for the first time. The Seoul Central District Court has scheduled a hearing on March 7, where ADOR’s injunction against the five-member group will be reviewed. This marks the latest escalation in a legal conflict that has shaken the K-pop industry since April last year.
ADOR’s Injunction Against NewJeans
According to Korean media outlet Daily Sports, ADOR filed an injunction in January 2025 to prevent NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein from signing independent advertising contracts without the company’s approval.
The agency argues that:
- The members' independent deals violate their exclusive contracts, which require all promotional activities to be approved by ADOR.
- Reports suggesting that the group was considering a name change—with fans even being asked to suggest alternatives—represent a serious contract breach.
These issues have further intensified tensions between the two sides.
NewJeans' Contract Termination & ADOR’s Response
The conflict dates back to November 2024, when NewJeans unilaterally terminated their exclusive contract with ADOR, citing:
- Mistreatment by the company
- Failure to protect their rights as artists
- Multiple contract violations
On November 28, 2024, the group held a press conference to publicly announce their departure from ADOR, sparking widespread industry discussions about the treatment of K-pop idols under management labels.
ADOR challenged the contract termination by filing a lawsuit in December 2024, arguing that NewJeans remains legally bound to their agreement. The first court hearing for this lawsuit has been scheduled for April 3, 2025, following the resolution of the advertising injunction case.
ADOR’s Stance: Protecting the Industry or Controlling Artists?
ADOR has taken a firm position on the matter, warning that:
"If idols can walk away from contracts without legal consequences, it could destabilize the entire K-pop industry."
The company insists that NewJeans’ contract remains valid and has requested court intervention to prevent the group from moving forward independently.
NewJeans’ Next Steps Amid Legal Battle
Despite the ongoing dispute, NewJeans has continued operating independently since terminating their contract. In December 2024, the group launched a new Instagram account (@jeanzforfree), signaling their intent to break away from ADOR and pursue their career on their own terms.
As the March 7 hearing approaches, fans and industry insiders are closely watching how this legal battle will unfold. The outcome could set a major precedent for artist rights in the K-pop industry.
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