As the legal battle between ADOR and NewJeans intensifies, the agency is pushing back on the group’s claim that their career cannot continue without former CEO Min Hee-jin. In court, ADOR pointed to contradictions between the members’ statements and their recent independent performance, arguing that the assertion of Min’s indispensability is flawed.
On June 3, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 41 held the first hearing in ADOR’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts. None of the five members, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, or Hyein, attended the session.
In its legal argument, ADOR’s legal team directly challenged the narrative that NewJeans cannot continue without Min Hee-jin, “While Min Hee-jin contributed to the group’s success, the claim that NewJeans cannot exist without her is illogical.”
ADOR also stated, “As part of HYBE, the industry leader, it’s unreasonable to claim that NewJeans cannot be supported by other top-tier producers.”
The company further cited the group’s successful Hong Kong performance, which took place without Min’s involvement, as a clear contradiction to their claims, “Their ability to prepare and perform independently undermines the argument that she is indispensable.”
Previously, on March 21, the court ruled fully in ADOR’s favor, barring NewJeans from signing new advertising deals. The group appealed the same day and declared an “activity suspension” ahead of their Hong Kong festival performance two days later.
The case is drawing massive public and industry attention, not just for its legal implications but for what it suggests about the idol-producer relationship in K-pop. With both sides standing firm and new contradictions emerging, the outcome could reshape expectations about agency control, artist loyalty, and the true definition of creative partnership.
