A court has ruled that NewJeans must honour their contract with record label ADOR until 2029.
The K-pop girl group have been fighting to end their partnership with the label for several reasons, including a stipulation that doesn’t allow them to pursue solo activities on their own accord.
In a blow to the band, on Thursday (30.10.25), the Seoul Central District Court issued the verdict that Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein will be tied to their contract for the next three years.
The five-piece, who were not present at court, argued that they didn’t feel they received the same level of support and care at ADOR since the departure of boss Min Hee-jin.
However, the court said: “It is difficult to conclude that merely the fact that Min Hee-jin was dismissed from her position as CEO of ADOR caused a gap in management duties for the NewJeans members or that ADOR lacks the plans or capabilities to perform those duties.
“The exclusive contract does not stipulate anywhere that ADOR must entrust the management duties for NewJeans to Min Hee-jin.
“It cannot be considered a significant contractual obligation to guarantee Min Hee-jin’s position as ADOR’s CEO merely because NewJeans personally places high trust in her.”
It ultimately decided: “Considering that ADOR released albums, prepared fan meetings, established plans for a world tour, and provided opportunities for events and commercial shoots even when NewJeans was not cooperating, it is difficult to conclude that ADOR cannot be expected to fulfill management services for NewJeans.”
The group have also been hit with the bill for the legal costs.
As reported by The ChoSun Daily, NewJeans have decided to appeal the court’s decision, with their legal representative stating: “While the members respect the court’s decision, it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities under the current situation where the trust relationship with ADOR has already been completely broken.”
The K-pop label had suggested the girls inking independent deals could “destabilise” the South Korean music sector.
ADOR – which is part of the HYBE group – said: “This decision was made to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers.
“Allowing unilateral terminations of exclusive contracts and independent activities without legal procedures could undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilise the K-pop sector.”
In September, NewJeans accused ADOR of bullying, harassment and subterfuge, and two months later, they requested their contract be terminated.
However, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour dismissed the harassment claims.
The girls held an emergency press conference to announce their exit from ADOR and warned the agency they would terminate their contract if they did not rectify breaches of their contract.
ADOR then filed a lawsuit against NewJeans to “clarify” that their contract “cannot be unilaterally terminated” based on their claims.