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The Seoul Central District Court ruled on October 30, 2025, that the exclusive contract between K-pop group NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, remains valid. This pivotal decision in the high-profile K-pop legal dispute effectively dismisses the group’s attempt to terminate their contract, leaving their future activities in limbo as their legal team immediately announced plans to appeal.
Court Rejects NewJeans’ Claims, Upholds ADOR Contract
Presiding Judge Jeong Hoeil of the Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict, siding with the ADOR agency. The court rejected the key arguments presented by the members of NewJeans—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. The group had contended that the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min HeeJin in 2024 created a critical management vacuum and that the trust between them and the agency was irreparably broken. However, the court found these reasons insufficient to nullify the existing exclusive contract, binding the members to ADOR.
This ruling is a significant victory for the ADOR agency, reinforcing its legal standing and contractual rights over the group’s activities. The decision underscores the complexities of entertainment lawsuits where claims of broken trust face a high legal threshold.
An Uncertain Future and Prolonged Hiatus
Immediately following the court’s decision on October 30, 2025, the legal representatives for NewJeans declared their intention to appeal. In a statement, they asserted that it is impossible for the members to resume activities under ADOR, signaling that this K-pop legal dispute is far from over. This stance creates a difficult situation for the group, as they are legally barred from pursuing independent activities or signing with another agency while their contract with ADOR is in effect. Consequently, the group’s hiatus, which has kept them out of the public eye, is expected to be prolonged indefinitely as the appeals process unfolds. The situation highlights the challenges inherent in K-Pop Idol Branding And Trademark Battles when relationships between artists and agencies sour.
Min HeeJin Embarks on a New Chapter with ‘ooak’
While NewJeans faces a standstill, their former producer and visionary, Min HeeJin, is moving forward. In a development that contrasts sharply with the group’s predicament, Min HeeJin recently established a new agency named “ooak,” completing its corporate registration. This is her first official business move since her departure from ADOR in 2024, marking a new beginning for the renowned creative director.
A Divergence of Paths
The court’s ruling solidifies the separation between NewJeans and Min HeeJin. Any speculation about a potential reunion under a new label has been effectively quashed. With Min HeeJin launching her own venture and NewJeans legally bound to the ADOR agency, the two parties are now on distinctly separate and potentially conflicting paths. The future of NewJeans remains one of the most pressing questions in the K-pop industry, pending the outcome of their appeal.
This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.
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