NewJeans vs ADOR: 15-Minute Hearing Concludes, Court to Rule on Independent Activities Ban
NewJeans (operating under the new name NJZ) continues its legal battle with ADOR over exclusive contract disputes. On April 9, the Seoul Central District Court held a remarkably brief hearing for NewJeans’ objection to the court’s earlier decision to prohibit their independent activities. The session lasted only 15 minutes and was conducted privately at the request of NewJeans’ representatives. A final ruling is expected soon.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began in November 2024 when NewJeans announced their intent to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR, citing a breakdown in trust. The group declared plans to pursue independent activities under the name NJZ. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract and requested an injunction to prevent NewJeans from engaging in solo activities.
On March 21, 2025, the court sided with ADOR, stating that NewJeans had not sufficiently proven that ADOR violated critical obligations or irreparably damaged mutual trust. Consequently, NewJeans was barred from independent activities until the resolution of the main lawsuit.
Latest Developments
Following the court’s decision, NewJeans filed an objection on March 21 and announced a temporary halt to all activities during a performance in Hong Kong on March 23. During today’s hearing, representatives from both sides attended, but NewJeans members were absent. Neither party provided comments to the press after the session.
What’s Next?
If NewJeans’ objection is rejected, they may proceed with an appeal to a higher court. Meanwhile, ADOR has expressed its willingness to negotiate with NewJeans, but the group remains firm in its stance against reconciliation.
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