Court upholds contract, dashing hopes of immediate freedom
A Seoul court ruled on 30 October 2025 that NewJeans’ exclusive contract with their agency ADOR remains valid until its scheduled end in 2029. The decision ends the group’s legal effort to terminate their contract early on grounds of alleged mistreatment and loss of trust in the label.
What led to the dispute
The five-member group (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) announced in November 2024 that they would leave ADOR, citing workplace issues and a “complete breakdown” of trust. Their agency countered that no contractual breach justifying termination had been proven, and took legal action to enforce the contract.
Court’s reasoning and implications
The court found that the evidence did not support the group’s claim of a “serious breach” by ADOR that would nullify the contract early. As a result, NewJeans are legally bound to remain with ADOR under their current contract; the group stated they plan to appeal the decision.
Reaction from both sides
ADOR released a statement thanking the court and reaffirmed its commitment to support the group’s activities. NewJeans’ representatives said that despite respecting the ruling, they cannot continue under the existing management relationship because “the relationship of trust … has been completely destroyed.”
What this means for the K-Pop industry
- This case highlights the power imbalance often present in K-pop contracts, where agencies invest heavily upfront and expect long-term exclusivity.
- Some industry observers say the ruling may discourage similar high-profile termination attempts by groups.
- The decision also raises questions about artists’ autonomy, working conditions and potential reform in how contracts are negotiated and enforced.
What to watch next
- Whether NewJeans launches an appeal and how the legal process evolves.
- How the group’s career proceeds: will they return to ADOR or pursue independent paths despite the ruling?
- Whether the dispute will prompt broader discussion in South Korea’s entertainment industry about artist rights, contract length and conditions.
The bottom line
NewJeans’ legal challenge against ADOR has ended in a setback: the court affirmed the agency’s contractual control. For the group, the question now becomes how they move forward: under the existing structure, under negotiation, or in a long-term battle for their creative and professional independence.
