The dispute involving the group NewJeanss has officially come to an end one year after the unilateral termination of their exclusive contract on November 29th last year.
According to legal sources on November 14, all five NewJeans members did not submit an appeal regarding the first-instance ruling in ADOR’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. The deadline to appeal was midnight on November 13, counting from the day the verdict was delivered.
Initially, after losing the first trial on October 30, the members had expressed their intention to appeal through their legal representatives, the law firm Sejong, stating, “While the members respect the court’s judgment, in the current situation where the trust with ADOR is completely broken, it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities. We hope the appellate court will comprehensively review the facts and the law regarding the termination of the exclusive contract and render a wise judgment.”
The conflict between NewJeans and ADOR began in earnest on November 29 last year, when the five members held an emergency press conference declaring that their trust in ADOR had completely collapsed and that their exclusive contract would be terminated. Not stopping there, NewJeans announced a new group name, NJZ, in February and proceeded with overseas performances and new song releases under NJZ in March. On August 27, after Min Hee Jin was dismissed as ADOR’s CEO, the members strongly demanded her reinstatement via a YouTube livestream on September 11, emphasizing that they would not return unless ADOR was led by Min Hee Jin.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract with the members. Throughout the trial, the positions of both parties ran in parallel. ADOR continuously expressed a desire for the members’ return and stated they were willing to negotiate when the court suggested mediation. Meanwhile, NewJeans members maintained their stance, saying, “The trust has been broken. We have crossed a river of no return.”
The first-instance court ruled in favor of ADOR, stating that legally there were no grounds for the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans to be considered terminated due to breach. The ruling also noted that none of the six claims made by NewJeans could be deemed factual.
Among the five members, the youngest line, Haerin and Hyein, were the first to reconsider and attempt a normal return. ADOR CEO Lee Do Kyung reportedly met with four NewJeans members, excluding the member staying in Antarctica, and their guardians on November 11. According to industry sources, Haerin, Hyein, and their guardians agreed to continue NewJeans activities without former CEO Min Hee Jin, while the other three members left after presenting conditions for return without reaching an agreement.
After consultations with ADOR, Haerin and Hyein officially confirmed their return on November 12 at 5:06 PM. ADOR stated, “The two members, after careful consideration with their families and thorough discussions with ADOR, have decided to respect the court’s ruling and comply with the exclusive contract. ADOR will do its best to ensure Haerin and Hyein can continue their entertainment activities smoothly. We ask fans for warm support and politely request restraint from unfounded speculation regarding the members.”
Meanwhile, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle sent a message to select media outlets approximately three hours after Haerin and Hyein’s return was officially announced via ADOR. They said, “After careful consultation, we have decided to return to ADOR. One member is currently in Antarctica, which has delayed communication, and ADOR has not responded, so we are sharing our position separately. We will continue to meet you through sincere music and performances. Thank you.” They did not specify which member is in Antarctica, though sightings near Antarctica suggest it is Hanni.
ADOR plans to hold individual meetings with Minji, Hanni, and Danielle, as well as Haerin and Hyein, to ensure smooth discussions. Regarding this, ADOR told Newsen on November 13, “We are coordinating individual meeting schedules with the members and will do our best to ensure productive discussions.”
The exclusive contracts between ADOR and NewJeans are known to run until July 31, 2029. ADOR has announced that they will actively support the members’ activities, including releasing a new full-length album, once they return.
On October 30, ADOR also stated, “We will once again uphold our responsibilities as a management company as required by the exclusive contract. As previously mentioned during the main trial, we are prepared for activities such as releasing a full-length album and are waiting. We will make our best efforts, in consultation with the artists, to return to the fans’ side.”
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