A South Korean court has ruled against K-pop sensation NewJeans in their attempt to sever ties with their label, Ador. The five-member girl group, who recently began operating under the name NJZ, had accused the label of mistreatment and sought to pursue independent activities—including new music and endorsement deals. However, the court barred the group from continuing any such activities outside their current contract.
The legal fallout follows months of escalating tension, which began in August 2024 when Hybe—Ador’s parent company—ousted the group’s mentor Min Hee-Jin. The group responded with public outcry, alleging that Hybe and Ador sabotaged their careers and ignored their artistic identities. One member, Hanni, even claimed workplace harassment.
In Friday’s ruling, the court sided with Ador, stating that the company had met most of its contractual obligations, including payments, and that NewJeans had not provided enough proof of serious contractual violations. The ruling also warned that if the group continued under their new name, NJZ, it could cause “severe damage” to Ador’s brand and reputation.
While respecting the decision, NewJeans expressed disappointment and vowed to appeal, arguing they were denied a full chance to present their evidence. “We can no longer remain with a management that has disrespected our identities and undermined our achievements,” the group stated.
A broader lawsuit regarding the validity of the group’s contract termination is still ongoing. Meanwhile, the future of their upcoming music release—set for Sunday—remains in question, as legal restrictions threaten their ability to operate independently.
Once hailed as one of K-pop’s most promising new acts, NewJeans continues to fight for creative freedom and control over their career, insisting they remain “NewJeans at heart.”
