As tensions continue to grow between K-pop girl group NewJeans and their agency ADOR, the company has taken strict legal action to tackle the growing online attack against the group. On April 9, ADOR issued a statement addressing the situation, vowing to intensify its legal crackdown on defamatory and malicious content aimed at the members: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.
The announcement, titled “Legal Action Status Regarding Artist Rights Infringement,” confirmed that ADOR has expanded its legal team and launched real-time monitoring systems to counter the rising online abuse. The agency cited a sharp rise in personal attacks, rumours, and degrading remarks about the members’ appearances, identities, private lives and issues that have grown more severe amid the ongoing contract conflict.
Take a look at the announcement below:
Despite having pursued legal measures since NewJeans’ debut, ADOR revealed that the surge in online hatred linked to the recent dispute has made them broaden their efforts. The agency is now actively collecting evidence from various platforms, including DC Inside, TheQoo, Nate Pann, FM Korea, Naver, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Posts involving privacy violations, hate speech, and deepfake content are also being flagged for prosecution.
One particularly alarming incident noted in the statement was the spread of deepfake videos falsely depicting NewJeans members in compromising situations. ADOR confirmed that at least one suspect involved in these crimes has already been handed over to prosecutors, and more investigations are underway.
Making their statement clear, the agency stressed that “no settlements or leniency will be given” to offenders. All individuals found guilty of spreading defamatory or criminal content will face the full force of the law. ADOR also credited the group’s fans for playing a vital role by reporting harmful content via HYBE’s official artist protection portal.
Legal battle between NewJeans and ADOR continues
This bold legal move comes at a critical time, as the group remains locked in a high-profile legal dispute with ADOR that began in late 2024. The members previously declared their intent to terminate their exclusive contracts with the agency, accusing ADOR of mismanagement and contractual violations.
However, a March 2025 ruling by the Seoul Central District Court sided temporarily with the agency. The court confirmed ADOR as the group’s official management company for now and issued an injunction blocking NewJeans from conducting solo promotional activities, including media appearances and endorsements, without agency approval.
In response, NewJeans, temporarily operating as NJZ under the acronym MHDHH, formally contested the court’s decision on March 21. Citing a breakdown in trust with ADOR, the group argued that remaining under its management would further damage their careers. Additionally, during a recent performance in Hong Kong, they released a new song, ‘Pit Stop’ and announced a temporary hiatus while awaiting the court’s final order.