A South Korean court issued an injunction on Friday, prohibiting members of the popular K-pop group NewJeans from pursuing independent commercial activities without approval from their label, ADOR. This decision represents the latest development in a high-profile legal battle between the artists and their management.
The Seoul Central District Court sided with ADOR, reaffirming the agency’s exclusive rights to manage NewJeans’ activities. The injunction follows the announcement last November by the five group members that they planned to part ways with ADOR, rebrand themselves as NJZ, and release new music independently this month.
Friday’s ruling now places NJZ’s upcoming plans into uncertainty. The members quickly responded, indicating their intention to appeal the decision.
In an Instagram post, NJZ stated: “NJZ respects the court’s ruling. However, we believe that the decision did not fully take into account the complete breakdown of trust the members have experienced toward ADOR.”
The dispute gained widespread media attention last year due to allegations of mistreatment made by the members, as well as internal conflicts within ADOR’s management. At the center of the controversy was the group’s creative director, who left the label amid the turmoil. Members publicly expressed their preference for working alongside the departed director, further complicating relations with ADOR.
ADOR, a subsidiary of K-pop giant HYBE, home to global superstars BTS, has consistently denied accusations of wrongdoing and emphasized the validity of the group’s existing contracts.
Following the court’s ruling, ADOR issued a statement expressing gratitude for the “judicious” decision. The agency added, “With our status as NewJeans’ exclusive agency now legally affirmed, we are fully committed to supporting the artists going forward.” ADOR representatives also confirmed their intention to be present at the group’s upcoming performance scheduled for Sunday in Hong Kong.
