NewJeans barred from independent activities by Seoul Court as group issues statement challenging ADOR injunction ruling

Girl group NewJeans, also known as NJZ, has been officially restricted from carrying out independent entertainment and advertising activities following a ruling by the Seoul Central District Court on March 21, 2025.

The court accepted ADOR’s injunction request, prohibiting the members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—from signing advertising contracts or engaging in performances, composing, or other solo activities outside their contractual relationship with ADOR.

This legal move marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between NJZ and their former agency. The injunction aims to preserve the existing exclusive contracts, which the group claims are no longer valid due to a breakdown in trust.

In response, NJZ issued an official public statement challenging the court’s ruling. “NJZ respects the court’s ruling. However, we believe that the decision did not fully take into account the complete breakdown of trust the members have experienced toward ADOR,” the group stated.

They highlighted procedural limitations, saying the court’s decision came just two weeks after a hearing, without adequate time to present their case or evidence fully. The group plans to formally object to the ruling and participate in the ongoing main lawsuit, which will further examine the validity of the exclusive contracts.

Hello, this is NJZ.

Today, the court rendered a decision regarding the injunction. NJZ respects the court’s ruling. However, we believe that the decision did not fully take into account the complete breakdown of trust the members have experienced toward ADOR.

Due to the urgent nature of injunction proceedings, the decision was issued approximately two weeks after the March 7, 2025 hearing. As such, we did not have sufficient opportunity to fully present the factual background to the court. Additionally, due to an imbalance of information, ADOR and HYBE have full access to all information regarding the members’ entertainment activities, whereas the members have been forced to individually contact relevant parties to request information. The pressure of being involved in a lawsuit, along with fears of retaliation, also prevented many from cooperating.

We plan to challenge today’s decision through the objection procedure, during which we will raise additional legal issues and submit further supporting evidence. Above all, until the point the exclusive contracts were terminated, we had diligently fulfilled out obligations without any wrongdoing. In contrast, ADOR and HYBE, behind the scenes, continued to treat us unfairly and unequally, ultimately destroying the relationship of trust. It is only a matter of time before the truth becomes clear.

It is important to note that an injunction is a provisional measure.
A separate main lawsuit regarding the validity of the exclusive contract termination is currently underway, with a court hearing scheduled for April 3. Unlike injunction proceedings, the main lawsuit allows us to freely utilize civil procedure tools to collect necessary evidence. We anticipate this will greatly reinforce our claims.

Though we are going through a very difficult time, we remain calm and strong, always thinking of our fans who continue to support NJZ and the Bunnies. NJZ values its promise with fans above all else, and we will devote ourselves to the remaining legal process so that we may once again connect with you with genuine joy.

As we have stated before, regardless of any financial matters, we can no longer remain with a management that has disrespected our identities and undermined our achievements. The reason we are pursuing this legal action is to protect our dignity and rights.

Meanwhile, after much deliberation, we have decided to participate in the upcoming ComplexCon scheduled for March 23. This decision was made out of respect for our fans and all stakeholders involved, in order to prevent unnecessary disruption or harm to those who have been looking forward to the performance.

We sincerely ask for your continued support and encouragement as we move forward.

Despite the legal conflict, NJZ confirmed their participation in the upcoming ComplexCon on 23 March, stating it was out of respect for fans and stakeholders.

As this high-profile legal battle continues to unfold, its outcome may have broader implications for artist rights and agency relationships in the K-pop industry.