NewJeans’ Parents vs. ADOR: Dispute Over Alleged NJZ Activity Ban Intensifies

The ongoing legal battle between NewJeans’ members and their agency, ADOR, has taken another turn, with the group’s parents claiming the company is attempting to block all of their entertainment activities. ADOR, however, has denied these accusations, calling them unfounded.

On March 6, the parents of NewJeans members released a statement via social media, asserting that ADOR had violated its contractual obligations, leading them to notify the agency of contract termination on November 29, 2024. “As the contract has ended, ADOR no longer has the right to manage or interfere with our activities,” they stated.

The parents further alleged that ADOR’s legal actions go beyond commercial endorsements, aiming to completely halt NJZ’s (NewJeans’ new group name) career. “ADOR initially targeted advertising deals, but their request to maintain management authority extends to all entertainment activities, proving their real goal is to block NJZ entirely,” they claimed.

They also highlighted that on February 11, ADOR expanded its injunction request to ban not only advertisements but also songwriting, composition, performance, singing, and all other artistic activities. “This happened right after we were informed that HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk pressured ComplexCon organizers, seemingly as retaliation when the concert cancellation failed,” the parents argued.

In response, ADOR issued an official statement denying any retaliatory intent. The company clarified that it expanded the injunction request because NewJeans continued with new music releases and major international performances while legal proceedings were still ongoing. “This is not about restricting activities but ensuring they continue ‘with ADOR’ and under the terms of the existing contract,” the agency stated.

ADOR also denied interfering with ComplexCon, saying, “We have never pressured event organizers, and this injunction expansion is not an act of retaliation.” The company added that in the upcoming court hearing on March 7, it plans to clarify misunderstandings and reaffirm that ADOR remains NewJeans’ official agency.

The conflict began when NewJeans held an emergency press conference on November 28, 2023, declaring that unresolved issues with ADOR led them to terminate their contract and pursue independent activities from November 29, 2024. Since December, the members have been operating under a new social media account and, last month, announced their new group name, NJZ. They are scheduled to perform under this name at ComplexCon Hong Kong from March 21-23.

However, ADOR has maintained that the group’s exclusive contract remains valid, taking legal action in December to confirm its enforceability. The agency also stated that content posted outside its official accounts violates contractual terms.

With the court hearing set for March 7 at the Seoul Central District Court, all eyes are on the legal battle’s outcome and its potential impact on NewJeans’ future.