The ongoing legal conflict between K-pop group NewJeans and their agency ADOR has entered another tense chapter, as both sides failed to reach an agreement during a recent court mediation.
On August 14, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 41 hosted a settlement session in an attempt to resolve the matter. NewJeans members Minji and Danielle were present in person, drawing attention from media and fans alike. Before entering the courtroom, the two idols kept their comments short, saying only, “We’re sorry.”
The mediation lasted approximately one hour and twenty minutes, but ended without a settlement. This means the dispute will now move forward to another court-mediated session scheduled for September 11. If that meeting also ends without resolution, the case will proceed to a final judgment, which is expected on October 30.
The Root of the Dispute
The conflict began after the removal of ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin, in August 2024. Shortly after her departure, NewJeans announced that they were ending their exclusive contract with ADOR. The group also began carrying out activities under the alternative name NJZ, which they used for independent schedules.
ADOR responded strongly, filing a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the original contract. The agency also secured a court injunction that blocks NewJeans from signing new endorsement deals while the case is ongoing. This legal restriction has had a significant impact on the group’s business opportunities, preventing them from entering into fresh brand partnerships.
Positions of Both Sides
According to statements, ADOR’s stance is that the contract with NewJeans remains valid and legally binding. The agency has said it wants to reach a reconciliation with the group and continue working together.
However, NewJeans has made it clear that they no longer trust the agency. Representatives for the group have stated that the bond between artist and company has been permanently damaged. As a result, they see no possibility of returning to ADOR, regardless of the agency’s willingness to negotiate.
This deep divide in perspectives is one of the main reasons why the August mediation ended without success.
Impact on Fans and the Industry
The dispute has caused uncertainty for NewJeans fans, who are unsure about the group’s future. While NJZ activities have allowed the members to continue performing and interacting with fans, the ongoing legal restrictions have limited their opportunities for promotions and collaborations.
In the broader K-pop industry, this case has attracted significant attention because it involves one of the most popular girl groups of recent years. NewJeans’ rapid rise to fame under ADOR made them a standout in the 4th generation of K-pop, which makes their contract dispute even more notable.
What’s Next
The next mediation session on September 11 will be another chance for both sides to negotiate. If they manage to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, it could prevent the dispute from going to a final court ruling. However, given the current atmosphere of mistrust, a settlement may be difficult to achieve.
If no agreement is reached, the court will proceed with the scheduled verdict on October 30. The decision could determine whether NewJeans must continue under ADOR’s management or if they will be legally allowed to operate independently under NJZ or another name.
About NewJeans
NewJeans debuted in July 2022 under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation. Known for their fresh concepts and catchy tracks such as Attention, Hype Boy, and Super Shy, the group quickly became a major force in the K-pop industry. Their unique style and relatable image helped them gain a massive global fanbase in a short period.
In just two years, NewJeans achieved record-breaking album sales, headlined major music festivals, and secured multiple brand endorsement deals with luxury and global companies. The current legal dispute has slowed some of their commercial momentum, but their music and popularity continue to influence trends in the industry.
Fans are now waiting to see whether the group’s future will involve a return to their original label, a complete shift to independent activities, or a new chapter under a different agency. The outcome of this high-profile case will not only shape NewJeans’ career but may also influence how artist-agency relationships are handled in the K-pop industry going forward.
