K-pop group NJZ (formerly NewJeans) is in a legal battle with their agency, ADOR, over their exclusive contract. The group—Haerin, Minji, Hyein, Danielle, and Hanni—argues that the company has completely changed after a major management shake-up. They claim that ADOR failed to honor their contract when former CEO Min Hee Jin was forced out of her position.
In their lawsuit, NJZ explained that ADOR is now run by HYBE, but with a completely different set of values and leadership. The members stated, “If all the management is replaced, then the company we signed with no longer exists as it did before.” They believe that when Min Hee Jin was removed, the new leadership took ADOR in a totally different direction, making it feel like a different company.
Their lawyers argue that this change is enough reason to end the contract. They added, “Even if one reason alone isn’t enough, the overall loss of trust between NJZ and ADOR makes it impossible for them to continue working together.” The group also asked the court to consider whether ADOR is still the same company now as it was when they first signed their contract.
ADOR, however, has rejected NJZ’s claims, calling them “illogical.”
This legal dispute started in November 2024, when NJZ announced they were ending their contract with HYBE. Since then, the group has put their performances on hold to focus on the lawsuit.
Min Hee Jin, who founded ADOR, was asked to step down from her role but resisted. Eventually, she had no choice but to resign from all her positions at both ADOR and HYBE in November 2024.
Now, NJZ is determined to prove in court that ADOR is no longer the company they originally signed with.
