Failed Second Mediation, NewJeans and ADOR War Enter Final Clash in October

NewJeans and ADOR fail second mediation.
The final decision is due in October.
The dispute centers on contract trust.

The high-stakes legal drama between global K-pop sensation NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, remains intensely deadlocked, with neither side showing signs of backing down. The core of this complex battle hinges on a fundamental clash of perspectives. ADOR, backed by parent company HYBE, maintains that the exclusive contract with the group is legally ironclad and that the reasons for termination are unfounded.

ADOR has consistently emphasized its massive financial investment, reportedly over 21 billion won (approximately $15.1 million), in nurturing and launching the group's record-breaking career, stating, “The contract is valid and no reason for termination exists.” They argue that an exclusive contract is built on trust and that they have upheld their end of the bargain by providing opportunities and transparent financial settlements.

“This is an unreasonable attempt to invalidate the contracts after the fact,” revealed a lawyer for ADOR.

"The agency is still preparing for the group’s comeback. Our staff are waiting for the day they return," ADOR legal team continued.

On the other side, NewJeans and their legal team are firm in their allegations of mismanagement and a fundamental breach of trust. Their position is that the agency they signed with no longer exists in its original form, primarily due to the ousting of former CEO Min Hee-jin, the creative mastermind behind their unique identity and global success.

The group contends that her removal and the subsequent replacement of ADOR's leadership with HYBE executives completely altered the dynamics, making a return to the agency "unworkable" after nearly 18 months of legal strife. They insist that ADOR "failed to meet fundamental management responsibilities," which justified their attempt to sever ties in November of last year.

Second Mediation Fails, Setting Stage for Final Court Ruling

The dispute has now moved past its second attempt at peaceful resolution. A closed-door mediation session held at the Seoul Central District Court on September 11th, 2025, ended after a mere 20 minutes without any agreement being reached.

This followed a first session in August where members Minji and Danielle were present. Notably, none of the NewJeans members attended this second mediation. The group appears to be on a hiatus, with members spotted on personal time, Haerin, for example, was recently viral for signing an autograph while at the dentist.

With the collapse of these talks, the court has decided a final, last-ditch mediation session will be scheduled for October 2025. The outcome of this final meeting will be crucial, as it will determine the definitive future of NewJeans, whether the group will be compelled to remain under ADOR or will be granted the right to part ways. This upcoming October mediation is the final step before the court issues an official ruling.

A Long Road Ahead: Legal Experts Weigh In on the Protracted Battle

Given the absolute refusal of both parties to compromise, legal professionals predict this is far from over. Quoted from The Korean Herald, entertainment lawyer Bae Jin-sung has projected that the main lawsuit over the contract's validity could drag on for up to two and a half years as it potentially moves through multiple court levels.

This timeline underscores the complexity of the case and the high stakes for everyone involved. ADOR has previously labeled the contract termination a "baseless rumor" that was "driven by former CEO Min Hee-jin," even alleging that private messages revealed a plan from years ago to “take” NewJeans. Meanwhile, NewJeans continues to steadfastly insist on the presence of serious mismanagement.

The conclusion is that the K-pop world is watching a painful stalemate unfold. For NewJeans, a group in its critical growth phase, this legal limbo means a forced inactivity that could hinder their incredible momentum. For ADOR, it's a fight to retain its sole and most valuable asset. With a final mediation set for October and a long legal war likely ahead, the future of one of music's biggest acts remains hanging in the balance, a testament to the complex interplay of art, business, and law in the modern entertainment industry.

Source: The Korean Herald, Chosun Biz, Allkpop, OSEN