NewJeans to Appeal Label Contract Court Decision

NewJeans have lost their legal battle against record label ADOR, with a Seoul court ruling that the K-pop group must honour their contractual obligations through 2029.

The Seoul Central District Court dismissed the group’s claims that their contract had been breached, dealing a significant blow to the quintet’s attempts to leave the HYBE subsidiary.

The group had argued that the removal of ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin constituted a breach of contract that would allow them to terminate their agreement. However, the court found this reasoning insufficient. “The fact that Min was removed from her position as CEO does not in itself mean that a managerial vacuum was created or that Ador became incapable of fulfilling its contractual obligations,” the court stated, according to the Korea Herald (as per Rolling Stone).

The ruling emphasised that personal relationships between artists and executives do not override contractual obligations. “The members’ personal trust in Min alone does not establish that guaranteeing her CEO position was a fundamental obligation under the exclusive contract,” the court determined.

Min Hee-jin resigned from her position as an internal director at ADOR in November 2024, stating she would pursue “necessary legal action one by one against the numerous illegal activities committed by HYBE and its affiliates.” The court noted that Min was offered the opportunity to revise her contract and continue working with NewJeans but declined the offer.

“It cannot be viewed that Min Hee-jin’s actions were for the purpose of safeguarding the group,” the court concluded.

NewJeans had also claimed that member Hanni faced bullying from a HYBE official and that leaked trainee videos constituted a contract breach. These allegations were similarly dismissed by the court.

HYBE responded to the ruling with a statement expressing hope that the decision would provide “an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on the matter.” The company confirmed preparations for a full-length album and future activities, stating they would “do our best, in consultation with the artists, to bring them back to their fans.”

The legal battle began nearly a year ago when NewJeans announced their departure from ADOR during a press conference. The group even attempted to relaunch under the new name NJZ earlier this year.

Despite the setback, NewJeans remain determined to fight the decision. Their legal representatives at Sejong Law Firm stated that while the members respect the court’s judgement, “the relationship of trust with Ador has been completely destroyed.” They emphasised it would be “impossible for them to return and continue normal entertainment activities under the company.”

The group plan to immediately file an appeal, with their legal team expressing hope that “the appellate court will once again thoroughly review the facts and legal grounds surrounding the contract termination and reach a fair conclusion.”