NewJeans Stunned by Legal Setback: K-Pop Group's Battle for Freedom

Thu Oct 30 2025 16:59:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The popular K-Pop group NewJeans faces a monumental legal defeat in their quest to leave their label Ador, raising questions about artist rights in the music industry.

NewJeans, a rising K-Pop sensation, has lost their legal battle against their label, Ador. A South Korean court ruled in favor of the label, keeping the group's contract valid until 2029. The members had earlier expressed their wish to leave the label due to mistreatment and manipulation. NewJeans intends to appeal the decision, signaling ongoing tensions in an industry where artists' autonomy remains a contentious issue.

K-pop group NewJeans has lost a legal battle to leave its record label Ador.

A South Korean court on Tuesday ruled that the act's contract with the label, which runs until 2029, remains valid.

The group's five members - Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji - announced last year that they were unilaterally leaving the agency, citing mistreatment and manipulation.

The group has said it will appeal the ruling, according to local media reports.

NewJeans stated it is impossible to return to Ador under the current circumstances.

The court rejected NewJeans' argument that the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also their mentor, constituted a breach of contract.

This legal situation showcases the immense power record labels hold over K-pop artists, often leading to artists feeling trapped in their contracts. NewJeans, formed in July 2022, quickly rose to fame with chart-topping hits, but their desire to leave the label has exposed the darker side of their success.

The tensions reached a boiling point when Min Hee-jin was dismissed amid allegations from the parent company, Hybe, which also manages mega-groups like BTS. The band's issues with Ador have sparked discussions about the treatment of artists in the K-pop industry and their rights to autonomy and fair treatment.