Did you know? The massive contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR – HYBE has now escalated into an official lawsuit. Both sides have decided to take the issue into a court of law, and they have selected a legal representative of their own. Soon enough, one of the most epic wars in the Kpop music industry will break between these two. Therefore, arm yourself with enough information about all the recent updates in the contract dispute before forming opinions on the NewJeans vs ADOR – HYBE lawsuit. Are you ready? Join us in the complete report below.
All the Summary Updates on NewJeans VS ADOR-HYBE Contract Dispute and Lawsuit
You must have known by now that NewJeans (also known as Jeanz) officially completed all their official schedule under ADOR-HYBE management earlier this month on January 4 at the 39th Golden Disc Awards. It was at this very event that NewJeans delivered their final stage performance, giving fans a memorable farewell as an ADOR-HYBE group and a new beginning as an independent artist.
And since this last performance, there are several crucial updates surrounding the NewJeans VS ADOR- HYBE contract dispute you might want to understand—especially since they have now entered an official lawsuit.
ADOR Initiated Official Lawsuit Against NewJeans
On January 13, ADOR confirmed that the company had submitted an injunction request to the Seoul Central District Court.
According to the report, the legal action aims to assert that ADOR remains the official management company of NewJeans under the exclusive contract that had been unilaterally terminated by the group. That is at least until the first trial of the Confirmation of Validity of Exclusive Contract lawsuit, which the agency filed on December 3, 2024. This injunction seeks to prevent NewJeans members from independently signing advertising contracts or engaging in promotional activities without ADOR’s approval.
According to ADOR, this measure is necessary to avoid confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers. The agency also emphasized its commitment to working with NewJeans and expressed concerns that restoring the original state may become impossible if their independent activities continue.
Not only that, but ADOR also emphasized that the company would continue supporting NewJeans. ADOR even revealed that the company had also planned a regular album release and fan meeting this year.
NewJeans Exit Dorm After HYBE Contract Dispute
Later that week, reports also revealed that NewJeans members had moved out of their dorm earlier last year.
According to the reports, after the emergency press conference NewJeans held on November 28, 2024, NewJeans continued working for the existing schedule they had previously signed under ADOR management. However, in December 2024, after completing their Japan schedule, members of NewJeans proceeded to vacate the dorm that ADOR had provided for them.
After moving out of ADOR’s dorm, NewJeans members used their own means of transportation and facilities to fulfill all the schedules involving ADOR.
Body Cam Controversy: Inspecting NewJeans Dorm
Following the updates that NewJeans had moved out of their dorm after the contract dispute with ADOR-HYBE, more controversy emerged regarding the inspection process.
At the time, reports revealed that a HYBE staff member reportedly wore a body camera to inspect the dorm that ADOR had provided for NewJeans. It then caused major debate in both local and international Kpop communities due to the appropriateness of this body camera.
Some fans believe that the body camera was an invasion of privacy. They highlighted that several photos have emerged, showing leaked photos of NewJeans dorm taken using body cameras. This then resulted in suspicion of whether those body cameras from HYBE’s staff were the source of these leaked photos. They also believed that HYBE had treated NewJeans members like criminals by doing so.
the members moved out of their dorm in early December, and after their departure, hybe staff conducted an inspection of the dormitory while wearing body cameras.
— taly (@talytokki) January 14, 2025
why is hybe treating NewJeans as if they’re criminals? pic.twitter.com/xGWy6QC9Mj
At the same time, others also believe that the body camera was mandatory for the HYBE’s inspector staff. Because otherwise, these staff may be under further suspicion of unfair treatment.
NewJeans Hires a Law Firm for ADOR-HYBE Lawsuit
A week later, new updates revealed that NewJeans decided to respond to the lawsuit filed by ADOR – HYBE.
On January 22, NewJeans posted an official statement using their new Instagram account, @jeanzforfree. They uploaded the updates in the form of a heartfelt letter through the platform’s story, revealing that they had hired their own law firm as a response to ADOR and HYBE lawsuit against NewJeans contract termination dispute.
In the letter, NewJeans revealed that they had officially hired the law firm Shin & Kim (Sejong) to represent them in the ongoing legal battle. The group explained that they sought a strong legal team to counter ADOR and HYBE’s chosen representation, the prestigious Kim & Chang law firm.
Previously, Shin & Kim law firm was also the one who represented Min Hee Jin during her dispute as ADOR CEO with HYBE. At the time, HYBE was also using the service of Kim & Chang law firm. Therefore, NewJeans believes that Shin & Kim is the best choice as they have perfectly understood HYBE and ADOR’s issues.
“Given that ADOR and HYBE have appointed Kim & Chang Law Firm as their representative, we felt the need for a law firm that could effectively counter this.
We believe Shin & Kim LLC is the most suitable choice, as they already understand HYBE and ADOR’s wrongdoings and issues, which is crucial for responding to the rapidly proceeding injunction.”
NewJeans.
NewJeans members also expressed their utmost disappointment with ADOR and HYBE. They stated that they felt neglected and unsupported throughout their time under the agencies’ management and highlighted various obstacles they encountered during their activities. That is why they wanted to move independently for future activities.
HYBE Allegedly Attempted to Divide NewJeans Amid ADOR Contract Dispute
Finally, in the same Instagram story updates, NewJeans revealed that ADOR and HYBE had allegedly harassed the members. The company reportedly met discreetly with several parents of NewJeans and tried to divide the members.
Therefore, the members once again declared that they had no intention of returning to ADOR or HYBE. Instead, NewJeans will continue the contract termination dispute and answer the lawsuit that ADOR – HYBE had filed.
“While ADOR and HYBE publicly ask us to return, they continue to harass and attack us behind the scenes, just as before.
Recently, they secretly met with some of our parents, attempting to persuade and divide them. Rather than using cowardly methods to disparage and divide us behind closed doors and manipulate the media with false information, we wish they would address these matters honestly and fairly.
We state this firmly: The five of us have absolutely no intention of returning to HYBE and ADOR, from whom we cannot expect even minimal good faith.”
NewJeans.
So, what do you think about all these shocking updates on the contract termination dispute and lawsuit between NewJeans and ADOR – HYBE? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, here’s the complete official statement from NewJeans members.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates.
IMO, the body camera is a mandatory. Why so exagerating?
And, this issue is too much. NJ seems like a toddler throwing tantrums. But HYBE is no good either. I don't know who to side with.