The legal battle between K-pop sensation NewJeans and their agency ADOR has taken a decisive turn, with the Seoul High Court ruling in favor of the label for a second time. The verdict effectively blocks the group from pursuing any independent activities outside the company.
According to a report by SPOTV News, the 25-2 Civil Division of the Seoul High Court on Monday dismissed the appeal filed by NewJeans members, who had sought to overturn an earlier injunction that reinforced ADOR’s managerial control.
This follows a prior decision by the Seoul Central District Court, which fully accepted ADOR’s injunction request. That ruling prohibited NewJeans members from engaging in independent advertising deals or other solo endeavors without the agency’s consent.
In response, the group filed an objection, which was also denied, prompting the appeal to the higher court. With the appellate court’s latest decision, the original injunction remains firmly in place, leaving the group legally bound to operate under ADOR’s oversight.
Despite the string of legal defeats, the members of NewJeans remain steadfast in their resolve to part ways with ADOR. During the second hearing of the agency’s lawsuit to confirm the validity of their exclusive contract, the group expressed a complete breakdown in their relationship with the label.
“The trust between us has completely collapsed. We have crossed a river of no return,” the members stated in court, signaling that a reconciliation appears unlikely.
The ruling marks a critical moment in the ongoing dispute, as both sides continue to battle over contractual obligations and control of one of K-pop’s most prominent girl groups.
