In the latest development of a high-stakes legal battle, K-pop sensation NewJeans has made it clear that a return to their agency, ADOR, is out of the question — unless the company reverts to its pre-April 2024 leadership under former CEO Min Hee-jin.
During the third court hearing held on July 24 at the Seoul Central District Court, representatives for NewJeans reaffirmed the group's stance: the trust between the members and ADOR has been irrevocably broken since Min’s departure. While the members were not present in court, both legal teams exchanged strong arguments over the group’s exclusive contract and the conditions under which they might resume activities.
ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, has maintained that the group’s contract is still valid. The label alleged that Min Hee-jin orchestrated the group's attempted contract termination and had been laying the groundwork to separate NewJeans from ADOR for years — even before their debut. This included claims of leaked internal information and strategic media narratives.
NewJeans’ legal team countered that the rift began with HYBE’s internal audit of Min, which they argue was driven by a desire to seize managerial control. They pointed out that the legal complaint against Min for breach of trust ended without prosecution, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the audit and subsequent actions.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the hearing was the emotional toll described by NewJeans’ camp. According to statements submitted by the group, members are experiencing anxiety severe enough to require medication and are unable to approach ADOR’s offices without triggering physical distress. They claimed that throughout the corporate fallout, their opinions were ignored and they were left without adequate protection or support.
Despite this, NewJeans signaled that reconciliation is still possible — but only if the agency reverts to how it operated before April 2024, under the leadership of Min Hee-jin, whom the group reportedly continues to trust.
Fans and Future Uncertainty
While the courtroom drama unfolded, a large number of fans gathered outside, holding signs and merchandise to show support for the group. Their presence underscored the deep emotional investment the public has in NewJeans’ future.
The court has scheduled a closed-door mediation session for August 14. Whether this will lead to an agreement remains uncertain. Both sides are reportedly preparing for complex negotiations in the coming weeks.
For now, NewJeans remains in limbo — eager to resume their careers, but unwilling to do so under the current structure of ADOR. Their stance reflects broader concerns in the entertainment industry about creative freedom, corporate governance, and the well-being of artists caught in the middle.