NewJeans Lawsuit: Court Upholds ADOR Contract, Group Vows to Appeal

The high-profile NewJeans lawsuit reached a critical juncture on October 30, 2025, as the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of their agency, ADOR. The court dismissed the group’s request to terminate their exclusive contract, a decision that NewJeans’s legal team immediately vowed to appeal, signaling a continuation of the contentious K-pop contract dispute.

Court Dismisses NewJeans’ Claims in Contract Lawsuit

The court’s ruling on October 30, 2025, affirmed the validity of the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR. The group’s petition for termination was based on several key arguments, all of which the court dismissed. These included allegations that parent company HYBE had disparaged the group, that BELIFT LAB’s girl group ILLIT had copied their concept, and that the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Heejin constituted a breach of contract. The court reasoned that Min Heejin’s role as CEO was not a guaranteed condition of the members’ contracts and that her dismissal did not prevent ADOR from fulfilling its management duties. In a significant blow to the members, the court also ordered NewJeans to bear all legal costs associated with the case, a common practice in entertainment law when a lawsuit is dismissed.

ADOR’s Official Response

Following the verdict, ADOR issued a brief statement welcoming the court’s decision. The agency expressed its hope to move forward, although the group’s immediate appeal complicates any potential reconciliation. The ruling reinforces the agency’s position in the ongoing ADOR HYBE conflict and the broader dispute with the group members.

Appeal Extends Group Hiatus Indefinitely

Immediately after the court’s decision was announced, NewJeans’s legal representatives from Sejong LLC confirmed their intent to appeal. They cited a “completely broken” relationship of trust with ADOR as the primary reason, arguing that a collaborative partnership is no longer possible. This move ensures that the legal battle will continue, consequently prolonging the group’s already lengthy hiatus. NewJeans has not been active since the release of their album Supernatural in June 2024, with their last public performance being at ‘Complex Live’ in Hong Kong in March 2025. This extended uncertainty leaves their dedicated fandom, known as Bunnies, waiting indefinitely for the group’s return.

The Future of NewJeans Amid Legal Battles

The decision to appeal the NewJeans lawsuit casts a long shadow over the group’s future. With the legal process set to continue, a return to musical activities under ADOR seems highly unlikely in the near term. This development comes just days after it was reported on October 24, 2025, that former CEO Min Heejin had legally established a new entertainment agency named ‘ooak’. While there is no official connection, the timing adds another layer to the complex situation. The ongoing legal strife raises serious questions about the group’s career momentum, leaving many wondering about analyzing their future in K-pop and whether they can regain their top-tier status after such a prolonged and public dispute.

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