NewJeans Ends Over-Year Contract Dispute and Announces Return to ADOR

The group NewJeans is concluding a dispute over its exclusive contract that lasted over a year and returning to its agency, ADOR. This situation, which originated from a power struggle between HYBE and former CEO Min Hee-jin, escalated into legal battles, causing significant waves throughout the K-pop industry. The conflict began in April 2024 when HYBE claimed through internal audits that Min Hee-jin attempted to seize control of ADOR, sparking tensions between the two parties. Min held an emergency press conference, complaining about discriminatory treatment toward NewJeans and issues related to similarities with the group ILLIT, while also exposing HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and senior executives. In response, HYBE dismissed Min in August of the same year and appointed Kim Ju-young as the new CEO. NewJeans then stepped forward directly, demanding Min’s return. ADOR proposed a compromise, stating that while Min could not return as CEO, his term as an internal director would be extended and he would be guaranteed five years to handle NewJeans’ production work, but Min rejected this offer and filed a preliminary injunction lawsuit in court. However, the court dismissed it in October of the previous year, and ADOR’s board of directors rejected Min’s nomination as CEO. The dispute intensified further. In September of last year, NewJeans exposed allegations of bullying faced by member Hanni through a YouTube live broadcast. Hanni reported that a manager from another HYBE group told her to “ignore” her, and NewJeans simultaneously demanded Min’s return and their return to ADOR. In October of last year, Hanni appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit, discussing workplace harassment, but in November, the Ministry of Employment and Labor concluded that it was difficult to consider her an employee under the Labor Standards Act. When their demands were not met, NewJeans sent a formal letter declaring the termination of their exclusive contract. In November of the same year, they held an emergency press conference to officially announce the cancellation of their exclusive contract with ADOR, unveiled a new group name, NJZ, and proceeded with overseas performances and the release of new songs. As a result, ADOR filed a lawsuit in court to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and requested a preliminary injunction to prohibit the members from conducting independent activities. The court accepted ADOR’s preliminary injunction request in March and banned NewJeans from independent activities. After both NewJeans’ appeals and objections were rejected, a decision was made imposing indirect coercion, requiring the members to pay a penalty of 1 billion won per violation for each instance of independent activity. Ultimately, NewJeans announced a suspension of their activities. On the 30th of last month, the Civil Court Division 41 of Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR in the lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract filed against NewJeans. The court stated, “It is difficult to conclude that a management gap occurred for NewJeans solely because ADOR dismissed Min Hee-jin,” and added, “It is hard to consider it a significant obligation for ADOR to guarantee Min Hee-jin the position of CEO just based on NewJeans’ high level of trust in him.” After the first-instance verdict was announced, ADOR said, “We have completed preparations for activities such as the release of a full-length album and are waiting,” and added, “We will make every effort to return to our fans through discussions with the artists.” On the afternoon of the 12th, ADOR officially announced that members Haerin and Hyein would be returning, bringing an end to over a year of prolonged conflict. Attention is now focused on what kind of music and activities NewJeans will bring back.