The K-pop world is buzzing over a clash between NJZ (also known as NewJeans) and their former agency, HYBE’s ADOR. On March 11, Chosun Biz reported that ex-ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin allegedly meddled in contract matters, and the quintet officially left the company. This came after ADOR’s injunction hearing on March 7, sparking questions about foul play.
Ador presents strong evidence in court proving Min Hee-jin’s involvement in terminating NewJeans’ contract, including messages and digital communications. The court is reviewing the case, and Ador asserts that the termination is unlawful.https://t.co/v0Jmcjik95 https://t.co/OIqFsZbo1F pic.twitter.com/zo3RCEoNi3
— ✨ (@uinv_5) March 11, 2025
ADOR claims Min Hee Jin intervened before NJZ’s exclusive deal ended in late 2024. They cite November 14, 2024, as the date the group requested contract corrections, with Min resigning six days later. Then, on November 28, NewJeans announced their termination—just before ADOR’s response deadline. As evidence, ADOR presented KakaoTalk messages, emails, and a suspicious PDF allegedly created via Min’s corporate account, S&K, hinting at unauthorized influence.
ADOR’s side at the first court hearing of their injunction against NewJeans:
— "None of the eight remedies requested by the debtors (NewJeans) can be grounds for termination of the exclusive contract. NewJeans (NJZ) is one of Korea's leading global girl groups. The dedication of… pic.twitter.com/fFYga98YDm
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) March 7, 2025
There’s even more controversy about documents that mention Sejong, Min Hee Jin’s legal rep, plus an outdated phrase referencing “early this year.” ADOR believes these inconsistencies prove tampering. This ongoing controversy overshadows the group, leaving fans to wonder if NJZ can rebound or if this legal feud will cause a disbantment. Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court ordered the quintet to submit a more detailed justification for their contract termination by March 14, 2025, as their previous proofs didn’t suffice.
