The legal showdown between NewJeans and ADOR is not over. On June 5, the Seoul Central District Court hosted the second hearing in the case filed by ADOR, which is trying to enforce its exclusive contract with the girl group. Despite the court suggesting a settlement, NewJeans wasn’t having it. Their legal reps shut it down, saying, “Trust is completely broken.”
NewJeans’s side rejects settlement with Ador in the second hearing for the exclusive contract dispute:
— “The court asked, "Do you really have no intention of settling? I'd like to recommend it," probing once again for the possibility of a settlement. To this, NewJeans' side… pic.twitter.com/QvE2zr0cgF
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) June 5, 2025
This is the second time NewJeans has rejected a settlement. The members weren’t in court, but their lawyers made it clear: the group is done with ADOR. The fallout dates back to a surprise livestream in November 2024, when the girls said their agency violated their contract. They’ve since tried to rebrand by launching new social media profiles and announcing a new name: NJZ. However, they had to take all of these back after ADOR announced an injunction prohibiting them from doing independent moves outside their company.
"We’ve crossed a river of no return"
NewJeans refused ADOR's request to the possibility of settlement in today's hearing
Next hearing will be on 24th July pic.twitter.com/A7TLzJ7Ugx
— NJZ Base (@njzbase) June 5, 2025
In addition, ADOR claims that “loss of trust” isn’t enough to void a contract under Korean law. They filed a lawsuit to validate the agreement and block NJZ from operating. In court, ADOR left the door open to a possible settlement, pending the court’s ruling. That hints the agency might play nice, but only if the decision leans their way. Until then, NewJeans is stuck. They’re banned from dropping music, performing, or doing any activities without ADOR’s approval. The next court date is set for July 24, and fans are holding their breath. Will it bring a resolution or just more courtroom drama? One thing’s clear: this is a full-blown legal battle with the future of NewJeans hanging in the balance.
