In a significant legal decision, management agency ADOR has emerged victorious in an injunction case against K-pop sensation NewJeans. The ruling means the five-member group will now be restricted from participating in any entertainment activities without ADOR’s approval until their exclusive contracts expire.
The legal dispute, which has garnered widespread attention in the K-pop industry, centered around the group’s reported efforts to sever ties with the agency. These efforts were reportedly supported by former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, who had been closely involved in the group’s debut and career.
However, legal professionals believe that continuing their association with Min Hee Jin may no longer be in the group’s best interest. On April 15, Korean media outlet Sports Today reported insights from the legal YouTube channel “Kang & Park Law Office,” run by seasoned attorneys Kang Ho Deok and Park Gun Ho, who have over 15 years of experience each.
The attorneys noted that the court’s approval of ADOR’s injunction was a clear indication of the agency’s strong legal standing. “In most cases, courts are hesitant to grant injunctions because they can significantly impact an artist’s ability to work,” they explained. “This ruling shows the court found no substantial misconduct on ADOR’s part that would justify a contract termination.”
They further emphasized that the outcome should serve as a “wake-up call” for NewJeans. “There appears to be no legal avenue left for the group to succeed in their efforts to exit the contract,” they stated. “This is the moment for the members and Min Hee Jin to go their separate ways.”
The attorneys also highlighted that the same judicial panel had previously ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin in her own legal battle—demonstrating that the bench was already well-acquainted with the ongoing issues between ADOR, Min Hee Jin, and NewJeans. Despite that familiarity, the court still sided with the agency this time, reinforcing the strength of ADOR’s position.
According to Kang and Park, the court is subtly signaling to the members that their future interests may no longer be aligned with Min Hee Jin’s, and it would be prudent for them to reconsider their strategy moving forward.
