In one of the most dramatic developments in contemporary K-pop, chart-topping girl group NewJeans has effectively disbanded following a protracted and highly publicised dispute with their record label, ADOR — a subsidiary of global entertainment giant HYBE. The split, confirmed in December 2025, marks the end of a meteoric rise that saw the quintet become international stars but also underscored the challenges of artist-management relations in South Korea’s tightly controlled music industry.
The Rise of NewJeans: From Debut to Global Phenomenon
Since their debut in July 2022, NewJeans — comprising Hanni, Minji, Haerin, Danielle and Hyein — quickly became one of K-pop’s most visible global acts. Their distinct blend of catchy pop, fashion influence and youthful authenticity earned them massive streams and sold-out tours within months. With hits like “OMG”, “Super Shy” and “Ditto” becoming cultural staples and chart successes, they helped propel the “fourth generation” of K-pop onto a global stage.
The group’s creative identity was closely associated with Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR and a highly respected figure in K-pop, whose vision was widely credited with shaping NewJeans’ aesthetic and brand. As the group’s fame grew, so did expectations for creative autonomy and direction.
The Feud With ADOR and HYBE
Trouble began in 2024, when ADOR’s former CEO — Min Hee-jin — was abruptly removed from her leadership position amid internal disputes with HYBE executives. The members publicly opposed the decision and demanded her reinstatement in a surprise livestream, claiming that the company had betrayed the trust that had defined their partnership.
In late November 2024, NewJeans held an emergency press conference announcing they were terminating their exclusive contracts with ADOR and declaring their intention to operate independently, even adopting the new name NJZ. Their statement cited alleged mistreatment, manipulation of information by the label and a breakdown of trust following leadership changes.
ADOR denied the claims and promptly filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contracts, insisting that the members had been “exposed to persistently distorted and biased information” that fueled misunderstandings.
Legal Battles and a Court Ruling
The dispute escalated through 2025. In March, a Seoul court granted ADOR’s injunction that barred NewJeans from pursuing independent performances, music releases or advertising agreements — essentially freezing their artistic activities without the label’s consent.
The turning point came in October 2025, when the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the group’s exclusive contracts with ADOR remain legally valid until at least 2029. The court rejected NewJeans’ central claim that the removal of Min Hee-jin constituted a contractual breach by the label.
Following the ruling, the group’s members indicated differing responses. Some initially stated they would not return to the label because the relationship of trust had been irretrievably damaged, while others engaged in negotiations with ADOR.
A Breakup and Contract Termination
The feud reached its climax in late December 2025, when ADOR announced that it had terminated the contract of member Danielle Marsh, citing the difficulty of continuing with her under the existing conditions. This announcement effectively dashed hopes of a full five-member comeback under the NewJeans name, prompting many to conclude that the group had disbanded.
The label also indicated that it was ready to pursue legal action against Danielle’s family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, whom it accused of contributing to the ongoing conflict.
As of late December, Hanni, Minji, Haerin and Hyein have reportedly been in discussions with ADOR about continuing activities under the label — though without Danielle, the original lineup of NewJeans is effectively broken.
Fan Reaction and Industry Impact
Fans around the world reacted with shock, grief and anger. Social media has been flooded with messages such as “NewJeans is five or nothing,” reflecting widespread sentiment that the group’s identity was intrinsically tied to its full original membership.
Music industry commentators note that NewJeans’ split highlights critical structural tensions in the K-pop system: long-term exclusive contracts, intense label control and the challenges artists face when seeking autonomy. The case has also sparked conversations about artist rights, management transparency and power dynamics within South Korea’s lucrative music industry
Behind the Headlines: Legacy and Future
NewJeans’ abrupt end illustrates both the extraordinary power of K-pop as a global cultural force and the fragility of artistic careers amid corporate interests. Their meteoric rise reshaped expectations for fourth-generation groups and placed them at the forefront of K-pop’s international expansion. Yet the dispute with ADOR and the ensuing dissolution underscore that creative success does not guarantee stability behind the scenes.
For many observers, the way NewJeans’ journey unfolded — from breakout icons to litigants locked in dispute with their own label — will become a defining case study in artist agency and industry governance in the digital age.
Whether the remaining members will regroup under a new banner or pursue solo careers remains uncertain. But for fans and industry watchers alike, the dissolution of NewJeans marks the end of a chapter in K-pop history that will reverberate far beyond Seoul.
