In a significant development within the K-pop industry, the Seoul Central District Court has issued an injunction preventing the popular girl group NewJeans from pursuing independent activities outside their management company, ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation. This ruling comes just days before the group’s anticipated performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong.
The court’s decision, delivered on March 21, 2025, upholds ADOR’s request to maintain its exclusive management rights over NewJeans, effectively barring the group from engaging in commercial endeavors without the label’s consent.
NewJeans, comprising members Hanni, Danielle, Hyein, Haerin, and Minji, had announced their departure from ADOR in November 2024, citing allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination. They subsequently rebranded themselves as “NJZ” and planned to debut new material independently.
Despite the court’s injunction, the group proceeded with their scheduled performance at ComplexCon on March 23, introducing a new single titled “Pit Stop” and performing under the NJZ moniker. However, during the event, the members announced an indefinite hiatus, expressing respect for the court’s ruling and acknowledging the emotional toll of the ongoing legal battle.
ADOR responded to the group’s actions with regret, emphasizing its commitment to supporting NewJeans and expressing a desire to engage in discussions about the group’s future.
The legal dispute centers on the legitimacy of NewJeans’ unilateral contract termination. While the group argues that a breakdown of trust justifies their departure, ADOR maintains that the contract remains valid until its official end in July 2029.
This case highlights the complexities of artist-label relationships within the K-pop industry and raises questions about the balance of power and autonomy for artists under exclusive contracts.
As the legal proceedings continue, fans and industry observers await further developments that could have broader implications for contractual norms in the entertainment sector.
