All five members of NewJeans—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—were present at the first court hearing regarding ADOR’s injunction request at the Seoul Central District Court on February 7.
The hearing focused on ADOR’s petition to maintain its management rights over the group and prevent the members from engaging in independent advertising contracts. Although their attendance was not mandatory, the members made a strong statement by showing up together, dressed in matching all-black outfits, capturing public attention.
The Rift Between NewJeans and ADOR
The dispute between NewJeans and ADOR came to light in November 2023, when the group held a press conference, announcing their intention to separate from the company due to unresolved concerns. They stated that their exclusive contract with ADOR would be terminated by November 29, 2024, and that they would continue their careers independently. Soon after, they created new social media accounts, signaling a fresh start.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court, arguing that the members’ exclusive contracts remained in effect and requesting a legal decision to uphold them.
New Identity: NJZ
On February 7, the group revealed plans to rebrand as NJZ (Engage), moving forward under the new name. They also announced their first major performance as NJZ at ComplexCon Hong Kong, an international festival scheduled for February 21–23.
ADOR, however, strongly opposed the move, arguing that any activity outside the company’s jurisdiction, including promotional content and performances, violates their contractual obligations.
Parents Speak Out Against ADOR’s Legal Moves
On February 6, NewJeans’ parents publicly criticized ADOR, claiming that the agency was attempting to block all aspects of the group’s career. In a statement shared on privately managed accounts, they alleged that ADOR had expanded its injunction request to prohibit not only NJZ’s advertising deals but also all forms of musical activities, including songwriting, composing, performing, and recording.
The parents argued that this was an attempt to stifle NJZ’s existence entirely, stating that ADOR’s legal actions were an intentional effort to prevent the group from pursuing independent careers.
ADOR Denies Retaliation Claims
ADOR quickly responded, rejecting allegations of deliberate retaliation. The company clarified that its revised injunction request was a necessary step, as the group had announced new songs and overseas performances while still legally under contract.
The agency stated, “Our intention is not to restrict their activities, but rather to ensure they fulfill their contractual obligations with ADOR.” They further emphasized that no pressure was exerted on event organizers, and their primary objective in court is to establish that NewJeans remains under ADOR’s management.
What’s Next for NewJeans?
With both NewJeans and ADOR standing firm, the legal battle is expected to continue in court. Meanwhile, fans are watching closely to see if the group can move forward as NJZ or if ADOR will successfully enforce its claim over their contracts.
Regardless of the outcome, this case could set a major precedent in the K-pop industry, shaping future artist-agency relationships and redefining how management disputes are handled in the entertainment world.