Hybe’s Injunction Against Newjeans
HYBE's ADOR label has filed a preliminary injunction against K-pop group NewJeans, seeking to prevent the band members from pursuing independent activities without the company's approval.
The lawsuit filed in Seoul Central District Court follows an earlier lawsuit filed by ADOR on 3 December 2024, which sought to confirm the validity of its exclusive contracts with NewJeans members.
ADOR is now trying to defend its position as the group's exclusive managing agency, the label said. BIE in the statement.
Citing court documents, ADOR said NewJeans members attempted to unilaterally terminate their contracts and began entering into independent advertising agreements with advertisers.
“Such actions have resulted in confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers,” the label said, acknowledging that litigation “may take significant time.”
“To address immediate concerns and prevent further disruption, ADOR was forced to pursue an additional injunction,” the statement said.
The injunction seeks to preserve the ongoing relationship between ADOR and NewJeans until the court makes a final decision on the original lawsuit.
Statements from Ador and Newjeans
Before filing the lawsuit in December, ADOR had previously stressed that NewJeans had no reason to terminate the exclusive contract and it remained “in full force and effect.” This statement was made in response to a press conference held by the group on November 28, 2024, in which member Hanni stated that ADOR “has neither the ability nor the desire to defend” NewJeans.
“Staying with an agency will only prolong our psychological pain and waste our time,” Hanny was quoted to Korea Junang Daily as they said at the time.
NewJeans members took sides with Min Hee Jin, former CEO of ADOR and creative director of NewJeans, in a conflict that became public last spring when HYBE accused Min of trying to wrest control of ADOR from its parent company by selling shares of the company and leaking confidential information.
Most recently, ADOR said that despite the ongoing legal dispute, it remains committed to supporting NewJeans. The company says it continues to provide the group with the necessary resources and capabilities, considering their exclusive agreement still valid.
The label says the case could set a precedent for South Korea's entertainment sector. ADOR argues that allowing artists to terminate exclusive contracts unilaterally, without due process of law, could discourage investment in K-pop, “destabilizing the foundations of the K-pop sector.”
The label added, “ADOR has received outside proposals for various projects such as advertising and promotional events, and has finalized event plans for this year, including a studio album release and fan meetings. ADOR has expressed its intention to remain in full communication with NewJeans members as these plans are implemented.”
HYBE’s ADOR takes legal action to block NewJeans from seeking independent advertising deals
