The Seoul Central District Court made a significant ruling on October 30, 2025 KST, stating that the K-pop group NewJeans must honor their exclusive contract with their agency, ADOR, until 2029. This decision came after the members of NewJeans attempted to terminate their contract prematurely.
In response to the court’s decision, ADOR released a statement expressing their readiness to move forward and hoping that the situation would lead to reflection on both sides. The agency confirmed that preparations for NewJeans’ upcoming full-length album were completed and reiterated their commitment to fulfilling their obligations as a management company.
ADOR also acknowledged the court’s recognition that they had not breached their management duties and that the members’ attempts to terminate the contract based on a loss of trust were unfounded. The company appreciated the judgment as validation of their adherence to the contractual obligations.
The legal battle between ADOR and NewJeans began in November of the previous year when the group sought to void their contract due to the dismissal of ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin. The court ruled in favor of ADOR, stating that the agency had not failed in its management responsibilities and that the trust between the artists and the agency had not deteriorated to a point where contract termination was warranted.
Following the court’s decision, the members of NewJeans announced their intention to appeal the ruling, citing irreparable damage to trust between them and ADOR. Sejong Law Firm, representing the group, expressed their gratitude to fans for their support and stated that it would be impossible for NewJeans to continue working under ADOR.
The court’s ruling confirmed that NewJeans’ exclusive contract with ADOR would remain in effect until July 31, 2029, with the possibility of extension depending on the legal proceedings. Despite the ongoing legal battle, both parties remain committed to their respective positions, and the future of NewJeans hangs in the balance as they navigate through this challenging chapter in their career.
