A recent court ruling has barred the popular K-pop group NewJeans from terminating its contract with the label Ador, forcing the quintet to continue operations under the label despite claims of mistreatment. The band has expressed intentions to appeal the decision, highlighting a significant dispute between creative freedom and contractual obligations in the K-pop industry.
Court Ruling Blocks K-pop Group NewJeans from Dissolving Label Ties
Court Ruling Blocks K-pop Group NewJeans from Dissolving Label Ties
A South Korean court's decision has prevented the K-pop band NewJeans from pursuing business outside of its label, Ador, amidst ongoing disputes regarding treatment and management.
In a significant legal ruling on March 21, 2025, a South Korean court has issued an injunction against the K-pop girl group NewJeans, blocking the members from pursuing independent commercial activities without the consent of their record label, Ador. This decision stems from a contentious dispute that has emerged between the girl group and the label, which was upheld by the Seoul Central District Court.
NewJeans’ relationship with Ador has been tumultuous, culminating in the group's announced decision last November to sever ties, alleging mistreatment and claiming their working conditions had become untenable. Following their declaration, they rebranded to NJZ, seeking to distance themselves from Ador’s oversight.
The court ruling affirms Ador’s claims of exclusivity over the group, potentially thwarting their efforts to release music, organize performances, or negotiate independent contracts. In response to the ruling, the group expressed disappointment, insisting that the decision did not adequately represent their experiences and the substantial discord with the label. They stated, "We did not have sufficient opportunity to fully present the factual background to the court."
On the other hand, Ador has welcomed the court's affirmation of its management rights, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the group moving forward. In a public statement, Ador expressed eagerness to engage in dialogue with the artists, seeking to mend the relationship.
The dispute has captured considerable attention from fans and observers since it began in August 2024, primarily due to the involvement of Min Hee-Jin, the executive producer for NewJeans. The situation escalated when Hybe, Ador’s parent company, replaced Min as CEO. The band publicly advocated for her return, which, when denied, led to their push for separation from Ador.
Despite the legal fracas, both Ador and NewJeans have confirmed that the group will still participate in the upcoming ComplexCon festival in Hong Kong, hinting at a complicated yet ongoing relationship under the current circumstances. Hybe, renowned for its managing of global K-pop phenomenon BTS, continues to play a significant role in this evolving narrative within the K-pop industry.
