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The legal battle between NewJeans and their agency ADOR is far from over. Just a few hours after the court ruled in favor of ADOR in their first trial, the group officially filed an appeal.
The five members, Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein, made it clear that they have no plans to return to the agency despite the verdict.
NewJeans-ADOR Contract Dispute Verdict
On October 30, the Seoul Central District Court’s 41st Civil Agreement Division (Presiding Judge Jeong Hoe Il) ruled in favor of ADOR in the lawsuit concerning the validity of the exclusive contracts.
The court confirmed that the exclusive contracts remain valid, and sided completely with ADOR and rejected every major claim made by NewJeans.
According to the court, ADOR did not violate the exclusive contracts, and the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin, who was central to the group’s management and success, was not enough to justify ending the agreements. The ruling stated:
The dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin alone did not create a management vacuum or prove that ADOR lacked the ability to fulfill its duties.
The judge also added that even after Min’s removal, she could have continued contributing as an internal director. She resigned from the position of internal director of ADOR in November last year and cut all ties with HYBE and ADOR.
The court also addressed Hanni’s controversy, in which she claimed to have been “ignored” by a manager from another label. After reviewing CCTV footage from HYBE’s building, the judge concluded that other employees had greeted her, and there wasn’t sufficient proof of any mistreatment. The court ruled that the evidence “was insufficient to acknowledge a violation of personal rights.”
In short, the court found no solid reason to believe that ADOR breached the group’s trust or contract obligations.
NewJeans’ Immediate Response: “Returning Is Impossible”
Despite the loss, NewJeans wasted no time responding. Through their legal representatives, Sejong Law Firm, the members announced that they respect the court’s decision but remain firm in their stance — they cannot return to ADOR under any circumstances.
Their statement read:
The members respect the court’s decision; however, given that the relationship of trust with ADOR has already been completely destroyed, they hold the position that it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities.
Accordingly, the (NewJeans) members plan to immediately appeal the first-instance judgment. They hope that the appellate court will once again comprehensively examine the facts and legal principles related to the termination of the exclusive contracts and render a wise judgment.
Shortly after the ruling, NewJeans’ team filed an official appeal, which indicates that they are determined to keep fighting. This move sends the case to a higher court, where both sides will once again present their arguments in what could become a lengthy legal process.
What Happens Next in NewJeans vs ADOR Dispute?
With the appeal now underway, the legal conflict between NewJeans and ADOR is expected to continue for several more months — or possibly longer. The appeal will move to a higher court for re-examination of the case. Both sides are expected to refine their arguments and present new evidence.
ADOR and NewJeans have hired high-profile attorneys, including former judges, which suggests a prolonged and complex fight ahead.
The group remains unable to engage in independent entertainment activities due to an existing injunction that prohibits any work outside of ADOR’s approval. NewJeans have been effectively on hiatus since March 2025.
For fans, this means more waiting. Their last Korean release was “How Sweet” in May 2024. With no performances or public appearances since, the uncertainty surrounding their future continues.
Meanwhile, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has already moved forward. She recently founded a new entertainment agency called “Ooak”, which focuses on artist management, music production, and event planning.
Before the verdict, there was speculation that Min might reunite with NewJeans if they won the case, but the court’s decision in ADOR’s favor has blocked that possibility for now.
