NewJeans Ador

Photo Credit: NewJeans by Siyoung Song for Ador

NewJeans face a legal injunction against them by record label Ador. Ador alleges the K-pop group is trying to sign independent deals without their approval.

K-pop band NewJeans claimed in November their contracts with record label Ador were invalid due to an alleged pattern of bullying and harassment at the company. Ador denied the allegations and sued the group to have their contracts upheld. Now, Ador has accused NewJeans of trying to sign independent deals without the agency’s approval, and has filed a legal injunction against them.

“This decision was made to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers,” said Ador in a statement, explaining the move. “Allowing unilateral terminations of exclusive contracts and independent activities without legal procedures could undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilize the K-pop sector,” the company warned.

NewJeans were the eighth biggest-selling act worldwide in 2023. In 2024, they secured a nomination for Best Group at the MTV VMAs. But their relationship with the record label took a dive after its parent company, Hybe, allegedly ousted their mentor, former Ador CEO Min Hee-Jin.

The band demanded Min should be restored, and when Hybe refused, NewJeans went public with a slew of allegations against the company. These included that Hybe had deliberately undermined their careers to punish Min.

In November 2024, the group held a press conference announcing their departure from the company, claiming both Hybe and Ador lost the right to represent them. They also filed court papers seeking legal separation from the agency.

But Ador argues the band’s contract runs until 2027 and should be upheld. The band members continue to assert their independence, even creating a new Instagram account under the name “jeanzforfree” where they host livestreams with fans. NewJeans say they will fight to keep their name and their career, but will remain “NewJeans at heart,” even if they lose that legal battle.

The biggest hurdle for NewJeans remains that their case against Ador could take a couple years or more to settle should it go to trial. During that time, they might essentially be in limbo, unable to record or promote new music — unless they agree to work with Ador as per their contract.