The legal tug-of-war between K-pop sensation NewJeans (NJZ) and their agency ADOR has taken an unexpected turn. During the third hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on July 24, both parties appeared in court to contest the validity of the group’s exclusive contracts.
Now, with a mediation session officially scheduled for August 14, all eyes are on a possible reconciliation, but on one condition.
NewJeans ready to return to ADOR?
In a surprising twist, NewJeans’ legal team shared a statement that signals a potential compromise. While the group is not entirely opposed to continuing under ADOR, they have made one firm demand that could decide the outcome of the conflict.
“It’s not that [the members] absolutely refuse to return to ADOR,” NJZ’s legal team said. “If ADOR can be returned to how it was before the audit in April 2024, [they] would be willing to go back. But if that’s not possible, then we hope they will let [the members] go by terminating the contract.”
NewJeans wants Min Hee-Jin back?
The core of the dispute stems from an internal audit launched by HYBE against ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee-Jin, earlier this year. The audit accused Min of trying to take control of ADOR and ‘seize’ NewJeans, but no substantial evidence was found.
“This legal fight began because HYBE launched an audit against Min Hee Jin in April 2024,” NJZ’s legal team explained. “They claimed she was trying to seize management control and ‘take’ NewJeans, but there was no evidence in the audit or grounds for dismissal. The main issue was alleged breach of duty, and in the midst of it all, NewJeans suffered the most.” The group’s legal team added, “Police later found no evidence of Min Hee-Jin committing breach of duty. The audit and dismissal attempts were based on false premises and intended to remove Min Hee-Jin.”
With mediation now on the cards, the future of NewJeans may hinge on whether ADOR can return to its pre-audit state, a condition that could either pave the way for reconciliation or mark the group’s exit.