The legal dispute between NJZ (NewJeans) and their agency ADOR has intensified, as both parties convened at the Seoul Central District Court on July 24, 2024. This marked the third hearing concerning the validity of the group’s exclusive contracts. During the session, a mediation date was confirmed for August 14, which will take place behind closed doors. The outcome of this mediation could prove pivotal in the ongoing conflict between the popular girl group and their agency.
A significant development emerged from the session, with NJZ’s legal team indicating that the group is not entirely opposed to returning to ADOR. They outlined a firm condition for such a return: if ADOR can revert to its structure prior to an audit conducted in April 2024, they would consider rejoining. If this condition cannot be met, they hope to terminate their contract with the agency.
“It’s not that [the members] absolutely refuse to return to ADOR. If ADOR can be returned to how it was before the audit in April 2024, [they] would be willing to go back. But if that’s not possible, then we hope they will let [the members] go by terminating the contract,”
stated NJZ’s legal team.
The conflict traces back to a contentious audit of Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR, initiated by HYBE in April 2024. NJZ claims that the audit was rooted in baseless accusations regarding Min’s management control and alleged attempts to “take” NewJeans. According to the group’s representatives, police investigations revealed no evidence of wrongdoing on Min’s part, which they argue underscores the flawed basis of the audit and subsequent dismissal attempts.
The legal team emphasized that NJZ has lost trust in ADOR, citing concerns that the agency is now “controlled by HYBE staff.” They expressed deep reservations about returning to an agency they believe has fundamentally changed.
“Today’s ADOR is not the same ADOR that led to our past success. It’s now controlled by HYBE staff. The so-called generous support and dividends came when Min Hee Jin was CEO. We can’t trust ADOR anymore, which is why we can’t return to it in its current state,” they asserted.
This ongoing legal battle has sparked heated reactions within the industry and among fans. As NJZ continues to navigate this complex situation, their future with ADOR hangs in the balance, contingent upon the outcomes of the upcoming mediation session.
The implications of this dispute extend beyond the contractual intricacies, reflecting broader issues within the K-pop industry regarding artist management and agency control. As developments unfold, observers will closely watch the mediation on August 14, which may determine the future trajectory of both NJZ and ADOR.
