Last Updated:April 17, 2025, 14:02 IST
NewJeans is still legally tied to ADOR, who prevents them from doing shows, releasing music or even accepting endorsements without agency’s approval.
NewJeans members Haerin, Minji, Hyein, Danielle and Hanni will be on a temporary break. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
NewJeans recently faced another setback in their legal battle after the Seoul Central District Court rejected their appeal to break free from their agency, ADOR. This means the group is still legally tied to the company, which prevents them from doing shows, releasing music or even accepting endorsements without the agency’s approval. The group’s members, Haerin, Minji, Hyein, Danielle and Hanni, had initially objected to the original ruling and hoped for a different outcome. However, after a court hearing on April 16, they confirmed their initial decision and sided with ADOR. The result has now left the group in a challenging situation, as they have limited freedom over their career decisions.
According to YNA reports, after the NewJeans members’ representative, Sejong Law Firm, challenged the court’s earlier decision, the case moved to the Seoul High Court. During the latest hearing, Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon maintained that the original decision was fair. The judge said, “Considering the claims and explanatory materials that the debtors have repeatedly emphasised in their objection and examining the records, we determine that the provisional disposition decision in this case is justified.”
Last month, the court accepted ADOR’s request to stop NewJeans from signing any new deals, like ads or other contracts, without the agency’s permission. The court agreed with their request to protect its position as the group’s agency. During the time, the court explained “It is difficult to see that it has been sufficiently proven that Adore violated an important obligation under the exclusive contract, which led to the termination of the exclusive contract, or that the relationship of trust between the parties, which formed the basis of the exclusive contract, was irreparably damaged as a result.”
After the court’s decision, Minji shared her feelings on Instagram and mentioned that it has been 1000 days since they last performed. She wrote, “I can’t believe it’s already been 1000 days since we met. The time we’ve spent together has been so fun, special, happy, and precious. I hope we can keep being together in the days to come, too. Things are always fun when we’re together.”
Now, NewJeans members, Haerin, Minji, Hyein, Danielle and Hanni, will have to stay on a temporary break until the legal issue with their agency is fully resolved.