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In a significant escalation of the ongoing dispute between K-pop girl group NewJeans and their management label, ADOR—a subsidiary of HYBE—has filed a preliminary injunction to prevent the group from engaging in independent promotional activities without company approval. This legal action, submitted to the Seoul Central District Court, follows ADOR’s December 3, 2024, lawsuit seeking judicial confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contracts with NewJeans. The label contends that the group’s attempts to unilaterally terminate their contracts and pursue independent advertising agreements have caused confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers.
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The conflict became public on November 28, 2024, when NewJeans held a press conference announcing their departure from ADOR, citing “mistreatment” and “manipulation” by the agency. Member Hanni stated that ADOR “has neither the ability nor the will to protect” NewJeans, and that remaining with the agency would only prolong their psychological distress. In response, ADOR maintained that the exclusive contracts remain in full effect and expressed a desire for open communication with the group. The label emphasized that unilateral termination of contracts without proper legal procedures could undermine trust and investment in the K-pop industry.
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Despite the legal proceedings, ADOR asserts its commitment to supporting NewJeans, stating that it continues to provide necessary resources and has plans for future activities, including a studio album release and fan meetings. The label has expressed its intent to fully communicate with the NewJeans members as these plans progress. This case highlights the complexities of artist-management relationships in the K-pop industry and may set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
