K-Pop’s NewJeans lost battle against “Label record”

K-pop group NewJeans has lost a legal battle against its agency to leave its record label "Ador."

A South Korean court on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, ruled that the group’s contract with its management agency remains valid until they win an appeal.

The Seoul Central District Court rejected NewJeans' argument that the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also the group's mentor, constituted a breach of contract.

The court rejected the group’s claim that the label’s alleged misconduct and the dismissal of the former CEO constituted grounds to end their deal.

“It is difficult to conclude that Ador breached the exclusive contract solely on the grounds of Min Hee-jin’s dismissal,’’ the Seoul Central District Court said.

The court believes that Min's removal from her position does not mean Ador became incapable of fulfilling its contractual obligations.

“Considering that Ador released albums, prepared fan meetings, established plans for a world tour, and provided opportunities for events and commercial shoots even when NewJeans was not cooperating," said the Seoul court.

The group's five members, including Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji, announced last year that they were leaving the agency unilaterally, citing mistreatment and manipulation.

According tothe Korea Herald,the group said it will appeal the ruling, and NewJeans alleged that the CEO’s dismissal broke their trust with the agency.

In a statement released after the ruling, Ador said it “sincerely hopes that the judgment will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter.”

Whereas the Seoul Central District Court rejected NewJeans' argument, and the label was shocked, as it is highly unusual for artists to rebel against them.

The case stunned South Korea, where record labels wield significant power and tightly control their stars.

NewJeans’ legal representatives at Sejong Law Firm said, "The members respect the court’s judgment, but the relationship of trust with Ador has been destroyed; it is impossible for them to return and continue normal entertainment activities under the company.”

NewJeans was formed on July 22 and had enjoyed rapid success before their dramatic fallout with the agency.

The K-pop group's first single song “Attention” topped Korean charts right after their debut, while their hit song SuperShy made multiple "best of the year" lists at the end of 2023.

In addition, critics called them a "game-changer" because their blend of 1990s R&B and sugar-coated pop melodies broke through a K-pop scene dominated by electronic beats.