NewJeans' Independent Activities Prohibited

On March 21, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) granted an injunction restricting the independent activities of the girl group NewJeans (NJZ), allowing their agency, ADOR, to maintain management rights over the group for the time being.

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Court: "ADOR Retains Agency Status... NewJeans' Independent Activities Prohibited"

On this day, the court fully accepted ADOR's injunction request against the five members of NewJeans, seeking to preserve agency status and prohibit the signing of advertisement contracts without consent.

 

The court provisionally recognized ADOR's agency status under the exclusive contract with NewJeans until a final judgment is rendered in the main lawsuit filed by ADOR at the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract. Consequently, NewJeans members cannot engage in independent activities without prior approval or consent from ADOR.

In the judgment, the court stated, "Based on the claims and materials submitted by the debtors (NewJeans) so far, it is difficult to conclude that the creditor (ADOR) violated significant obligations under the exclusive contract, leading to grounds for contract termination or irreparable breakdown of the trust relationship foundational to the contract."

Additionally, the court noted, "The creditor has largely fulfilled significant obligations under the exclusive contract, such as settlement duties, " and added, "Even if there are minor shortcomings in fulfilling certain obligations, it is difficult to conclude that these amount to a breakdown of the trust relationship, " thereby supporting ADOR's position.

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ADOR: "Legal Status Confirmed... Will Fulfill Future Support Responsibilities"

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Immediately after the court's decision, ADOR released an official statement expressing gratitude for the court's wise judgment in recognizing their agency status and stated, "We will continue to do our best to support our artists."

ADOR specifically mentioned the upcoming 'ComplexCon' performance in Hong Kong scheduled for the 23rd, saying, "We will provide full on-site support to ensure it proceeds smoothly under the name of NewJeans."

They also expressed hope for "a sincere dialogue with the artists in the near future" and requested "warm encouragement and support for NewJeans."

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NewJeans: "Respect Court's Decision but Will Respond Through Objection Procedures"

 

On the other hand, NewJeans members released a statement on their social media accounts, saying, "We respect the court's decision, but it does not fully reflect the breakdown of trust between the members and ADOR."

They added, "We will address additional issues through objection procedures."

NewJeans emphasized, "This decision does not adequately consider the complete breakdown of trust in ADOR by the members, " and stated, "In the main lawsuit, we will strengthen our claims using evidence-gathering procedures under civil procedure law."

 

The members also stated, "We can no longer work with an agency that insults our character and belittles our achievements, regardless of financial matters, " and added, "The purpose of this lawsuit is not merely a contract dispute but to protect our values and rights."

Regarding the performance scheduled in Hong Kong on the 23rd, they mentioned, "After careful consideration to prevent harm to fans and stakeholders, we have reluctantly decided to participate."

The first hearing of the main lawsuit between NewJeans and ADOR is scheduled for April 3rd, and intense legal battles are anticipated.

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As a fan of NewJeans, it’s heartbreaking to see them constantly surrounded by issues that feel so far from what idols should have to deal with.

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