Rumors have been circulating that NewJeans would be ousted as ambassadors for Incheon Airport Main Customs due to their ongoing legal battle with agency ADOR.
On March 27, Incheon Airport Main Customs announced that they are reviewing a potential contract extension with NewJeans (NJZ). The 5-member K-pop girl group has been serving as the customs office’s public relations ambassador since March 2024. Although the group is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with their agency, the customs office is moving forward with discussions for a contract extension.
The official also debunked rumors that NewJeans would be replaced as ambassadors, stating that such claims are unfounded.
A customs official stated, “The time has come to discuss extending NewJeans’ contract as our public relations ambassador, but due to their ongoing legal dispute with their agency ADOR, we haven’t been able to discuss the extension yet. However, this doesn’t mean we’re replacing them as ambassadors.”
The official drew a clear line, saying, “In particular, the banners featuring NewJeans at Incheon Airport have not been removed, nor are there any plans to do so.”
Incheon Airport Headquarters Customs had appointed NewJeans as their public relations ambassadors on March 22, 2024. The initial contract term was set for one year.
According to the customs office, NewJeans was chosen as ambassador because they are expected to greatly help raise awareness about customs administration, including fast clearance and anti-smuggling efforts.
Meanwhile, NewJeans lost a lawsuit against their agency ADOR and is now prohibited from carrying out independent activities. After parting ways with the label in November 2024, the group rebranded as NJZ but their activities were cut short as ADOR was awarded an injunction by the court. The group was ordered to not engage in any activity with the approval of ADOR.
Instead of continuing activities with ADOR, they have challenged the court’s decision and announced the temporary suspension of activities. NewJeans filed an objection on March 21, and the hearing is scheduled for April 9. In addition, the court will hold a hearing for ADOR’s lawsuit regarding the validity of the exclusive contract on April 3.
