NewJeans Ultimatum: No Min Hee Jin, No Return to ADOR

NewJeans insists trust is broken unless Min Hee Jin regains control.
ADOR warns of financial and reputational fallout if contracts are voided.
Court battle highlights deeper industry tensions between artists and agencies.

The legal battle between ADOR and NewJeans has escalated into one of the most high-profile disputes in K-pop history, with the group now signaling a potential return to their agency—but only if former CEO Min Hee Jin is reinstated. During the third hearing at Seoul Central District Court on July 24, NewJeans’ legal team presented a detailed argument outlining why their trust in ADOR has been irreparably damaged. 

At the heart of their stance is the belief that HYBE’s 2023 audit of ADOR—and the subsequent ousting of Min Hee Jin—fundamentally altered the agency’s identity. 

“The current ADOR, now controlled by HYBE executives, is no longer the same company.”

The group’s representatives emphasized that the conflict has taken a significant emotional and professional toll on the members. They pointed to HYBE’s handling of Hanni’s “ignore her” controversy as evidence of the parent company’s failure to protect its artists. “Instead of defending her, HYBE allowed Hanni to be painted as a liar,” they argued. The legal team also revealed that recent police investigations had cleared Min Hee Jin of breach-of-trust allegations, further undermining HYBE’s justification for her dismissal. “If the audit had been conducted fairly, we might have accepted the outcome,” they said. “But the police found no wrongdoing—only a CEO performing her duties.”

Despite their grievances, NewJeans left open a narrow path for reconciliation.

“The members don’t categorically refuse to return. If ADOR is restored to its original state—with Min Hee Jin back in charge—they would gladly resume activities under the label.” 

This conditional offer, however, hinges on a scenario that HYBE seems unlikely to entertain. The legal team likened the current ADOR to a “phone with its SIM card replaced,” stressing that the agency’s corporate culture, leadership, and artistic direction have all shifted dramatically. 

“The ADOR they trusted is gone,” they concluded.

ADOR, meanwhile, pushed back against NewJeans’ claims, arguing that the group’s reasons for terminating their contracts have been inconsistent. 

“The members’ justifications keep changing,” their legal team countered.

They also promising to submit a detailed written rebuttal ahead of the next hearing. The agency also reiterated its commitment to NewJeans’ career, stating that comeback preparations are already underway. Yet, the group’s unwavering stance suggests that mere promises of renewed support may not be enough to rebuild what has been lost.

ADOR’s Counterargument: Why NewJeans’ Departure Would Be Catastrophic

ADOR’s legal team presented a stark warning during the hearing: NewJeans departure could have devastating consequences not just for the label, but for the entire K-pop industry. Citing a prior court ruling that upheld ADOR’s injunction against the members pursuing independent activities, they argued that the group had failed to provide valid legal grounds for contract termination. 

“The defendants must prove their case, but they’ve offered no substantive evidence. On the contrary, it’s been proven that no valid grounds for termination exist,” ADOR’s lawyers asserted.

The agency painted a grim picture of what a split would entail. Without ADOR and HYBE’s infrastructure, NewJeans would lose access to top-tier production teams, marketing resources, and industry connections. Legal battles over penalty fees and damages could drag on for years, tarnishing the group’s reputation. 

“They would not only face financial repercussions but also the stigma of being artists who break contracts,” ADOR’s team warned. 

The label also highlighted the human cost, noting that dozens of ADOR employees—from stylists to songwriters—could lose their jobs if NewJeans walks away.

In a dramatic appeal, ADOR framed the dispute as a matter of industry-wide stability. 

“If a top-tier group like NewJeans can unilaterally void contracts, it sets a dangerous precedent. Labels would hesitate to invest in training new talent, and the K-pop system itself could collapse,” they argued.  

The agency’s rhetoric underscored the high stakes of the case, which has become a referendum on the balance of power between idols and management companies.

NewJeans’ legal team, however, dismissed these claims as hyperbolic. 

“This isn’t about undermining the industry—it’s about holding HYBE accountable for its actions,” they responded. 

The group’s representatives also questioned ADOR’s sudden concern for their well-being, noting that the label had done little to shield them during HYBE’s internal power struggles. With both sides digging in, the court faces the daunting task of untangling a conflict that goes far beyond contractual obligations.

The dispute’s origins trace back to November 2023, when NewJeans held an emergency press conference announcing their intent to terminate contracts with both ADOR and HYBE. At the time, the group cited a “complete breakdown of trust” as their primary reason. ADOR’s subsequent lawsuit—and the injunctions barring NewJeans from independent activities—have left the group in professional limbo. Despite celebrating their third debut anniversary this year, the members remain unable to release music or pursue solo projects.

With the next hearing on the horizon, neither side shows signs of backing down. ADOR continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement, while NewJeans insists that reconciliation is impossible.

“The trust is broken beyond repair,” their legal team reiterated. 

As the court weighs its decision, the outcome could redefine artist-agency relationships in K-pop—and determine whether one of the industry’s brightest acts has a future with the label that launched them.

Source: AllKpop, Naver