A South Korean court has ruled that K-pop group NewJeans’ contract with its record label Ador remains valid until 2029. The decision was made by the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday, dismissing the group’s claim that they were entitled to leave the label due to alleged mistreatment and manipulation.
NewJeans, formed in July 2022, had announced last year that they were unilaterally terminating their contract with Ador, citing the dismissal of their mentor and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin as a breach of trust. The group’s five members, aged between 17 and 21, have been embroiled in a highly publicized dispute with Ador and its parent company Hybe, South Korea’s largest music label.
NewJeans’ Dispute with Ador
The tension between NewJeans and Ador began in April 2024 when Hybe launched an audit into Ador, managed by Min Hee-jin at the time. Hybe alleged that Min was plotting to become independent, which she denied. Min was subsequently dismissed as Ador’s CEO in August.
Following Min’s dismissal, NewJeans issued an ultimatum demanding her reinstatement. When Hybe refused, the group went public with complaints against Ador, including allegations of workplace harassment and deliberate career sabotage. One member, Hanni, claimed she suffered harassment while working with the label.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict between NewJeans and Ador has drawn attention due to the significant control record labels typically exert over their artists in South Korea. NewJeans’ decision to challenge Ador was seen as unusual, given the industry’s power dynamics.
Despite their rapid success, including topping Korean charts with their debut single “Attention” and featuring on multiple “best of the year” lists for their hit song “SuperShy,” the group’s relationship with Ador deteriorated. Critics praised NewJeans as a “game-changer” in the K-pop scene, known for blending 1990s R&B with sugar-coated pop melodies, a departure from the dominant electronic beats.
Implications of the Court’s Ruling on NewJeans
The court’s decision to uphold NewJeans’ contract with Ador has significant implications for the group and the K-pop industry. Ador stated after the ruling that it hopes the judgment will allow the artists to “calmly reflect” on the matter and is prepared for their upcoming activities, including an album release.
NewJeans has indicated that it will appeal the ruling. According to local media reports, the group stated that it is “impossible to return to Ador” and continue their activities as normal. The next steps in the legal process are awaited with interest, as the outcome may influence the careers of NewJeans and potentially other K-pop artists.
As the situation develops, the K-pop industry will be watching closely. The case highlights the complex relationships between artists, record labels, and their management teams. The outcome may have broader implications for artist-label relations in the industry.
