The ongoing legal dispute between K-pop sensation NewJeans and their agency ADOR (a HYBE subsidiary) has reached a critical point. As of today, the court’s injunction prohibiting the group’s independent activities has been finalized. The five-member group chose not to file a further appeal by yesterday’s deadline.
On June 25, legal sources reported that the ruling—blocking the members from acting independently and signing individual advertising contracts—has taken full legal effect.
This legal saga began in November 2024 when NewJeans members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein – initiated independent activities. They asserted their contracts with ADOR had been invalidated due to alleged breaches and unfair treatment.
ADOR responded in January by filing an injunction to block these solo endeavors. In March, the Seoul court ruled in ADOR’s favor, ordering the group to halt independent promotions. This judgement came just before their first appearance at ComplexCon Hong Kong as rebranded NJZ.
NewJeans challenged the decision twice—first with an objection and then an appeal. The objection was dismissed in April and a subsequent appeal was rejected this month, the restrictions have now been firmly upheld.
This ruling deals a major blow to the group’s ability to work outside ADOR’s control. The court’s decision reinforces HYBE’s tight grip on their careers—at least until the contract validity case concludes. Having said that, ADOR has made several attempts to reach out to the group, offering to hold discussions to address their concerns and resolve the situation.
NewJeans refuse to return to the “new” ADOR after former CEO Min Hee Jin’s dismissal. In fact, the group became heavily involved in the Min Hee Jin-HYBE conflict after she was removed as CEO in August 2024. The members gave several ultimatums, asking for Min to be brought back as CEO and for ADOR to go back to how it used to be. Eventually, they parted ways with ADOR after announcing contract termination at a press conference.
If NewJeans violates the order, each member could face ₩1 billion (≈ $725,000) per violation. As a result, member Danielle attended the Omega event in Japan with ADOR’s permission. A separate case, determining whether their contracts with ADOR are still valid, is set for its third hearing in July.
All eyes are now on the July 24 hearing, which could decide NewJeans’ future with ADOR. Will the group remain under HYBE’s umbrella, or is there still a chance for independence? The legal battle isn’t over yet.
