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Skip to main content (L-R) Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hanni and Hyein of girl group NewJeans arrive for the press conference on November 28, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. K-pop girl group NewJeans hold a press conference an announcement on the termination of their contract with their agency Ador. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images Trending on Billboard A Korean court has rejected NewJeans’ attempt to break away from its label ADOR, dealing a major victory to the HYBE subsidiary in its closely-watched legal battle with the chart-topping K-pop group. The five members of NewJeans — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein — have been fighting since last November to leave ADOR and make music independently under the moniker NJZ. The women claim ADOR broke their trust with the controversial dismissal of their mentor, former CEO Min Hee-jin. NewJeans’ Attempt to Break From ADOR Denied, Group Appeals Billboard Korea However, ADOR has argued that NewJeans’ 2022 exclusive contract bars any independent activities until 2029. A legal battle ensued and, after months of back and forth, a Korean court sided with ADOR on Thursday (Oct. 30). According to Korean news reports, a judge in the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Min’s termination was not sufficient grounds for NewJeans to void its seven-year contract with ADOR. “Nowhere in the exclusive contract is it stated that ADOR must entrust the management duties for NewJeans to Min Hee-jin,” wrote Presiding Judge Jeong Hoe-il, according to the Chosun Daily. “Merely the fact that NewJeans personally places high trust in Min Hee-jin does not make guaranteeing her the position of ADOR’s CEO a significant obligation under the exclusive contract.” In an official statement on Thursday, ADOR expressed “deep gratitude for the court’s decision.” NewJeans Announces Departure from ADOR Amid Ongoing Dispute Mitchell Peters “We sincerely hope that today’s judgment, which comes after long-term verification of various claims and facts and reaffirms prior rulings, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter,” said the label. “ADOR is committed to re-emphasizing its role and responsibilities as NewJeans’ management agency. As we stated during the trial, we have completed preparations for the artist’s activities, including the release of a studio album, and are waiting. We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artist.” The NewJeans members, meanwhile, put out a statement through their lawyers saying they plan to appeal the decision. “NewJeans members respect the court’s judgment, but it is impossible to return to this company and continue normal entertainment activities in the current situation where the trust relationship with ADOR is completely shattered,” said the law firm Shin & Kim, as reported by the Korea Times. NewJeans’ legal battle with ADOR has captivated the K-pop world, where companies like HYBE hold immense power and artists rarely speak out against their labels. The group found global success in 2023 with the EP Get Up, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spent 26 weeks on the chart. The album’s lead single, “Super Shy,” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200. Daily newsletters straight to your inbox More From Pro NewJeans Loses ADOR Lawsuit as Korean Court Enforces Exclusive Contract 31 seconds ago Rachel Scharf ‘Absolute Betrayal’: Udio Users Are Up in Arms About UMG Deal Terms. Could Legal Claims Be Next? 56 minutes ago Rachel Scharf Clipse Signs With New Agency & New Management Carl Lamarre Business News Universal Music Group Q3 Revenue Hits $3.5 Billion on Subscription, Publishing Gains Glenn Peoples How the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 Charts Work Kristin Robinson See All News Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Powered by WordPress.com VIP optional screen reader Manage Account Billboard Hot 100™ Billboard 200™ Hits Of The World™ Songs Of The Summer Year-End Charts Decade-End Charts R&B/Hip-Hop Business News Record Labels View All Pro Songwriters & Producers Artist Index Royalty Calculator Market Watch Industry Events Calendar Billboard Español Cultura y Entretenimiento Crossword Puzzle GET ACCESS TODAY
