Music
Ador Record Label Sues Teen K-pop Group NewJeans
The hit teen K-pop group NewJeans could be restricted from signing endorsement deals and other contracts due to a legal dispute with their label, Ador. The five-member group of teenage girls, formed by Ador in 2022, is locked in a heated conflict with the company.
Last November, the band alleged their contracts were invalid, citing bullying, harassment, and deception within the agency. Ador denied the claims and filed a lawsuit to enforce the agreements.
The label has now accused NewJeans of trying to secure deals without its consent, prompting further legal action in Seoul. Ador stated the move aims to avoid confusion and protect third parties, such as advertisers.
In its court filing, Ador warned that unchecked actions like these could harm South Korea’s music industry. The agency argued that allowing artists to exit exclusive contracts without proper legal channels could deter investment and disrupt the K-pop market.
NewJeans, known for blending ’90s R&B with bubblegum pop, quickly rose to fame. In 2023, they were the eighth best-selling act globally and were nominated for Best Group at the MTV Awards last year.
Tensions escalated after Hybe, Ador’s parent company, reportedly ousted the band’s mentor, Min Hee-Jin. The group demanded her reinstatement, but when Hybe refused, they publicly accused the label of sabotaging their careers.
NewJeans Say They’re Leaving Their Label
NewJeans May Lose Their Name
In a November press conference, the band members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—announced their departure from Ador and Hybe, claiming the companies no longer had the right to represent them. They also filed legal papers seeking to sever ties with the agency, though the case remains unresolved.
Ador insists the contracts, valid until 2027, should be honoured. The label has already outlined plans for the group’s upcoming year, including a new album and fan events. Despite this, the members have continued asserting their independence, launching a new Instagram account called “jeanzforfree,” where they regularly connect with fans via live streams.
The group has vowed to keep its name and continue its careers, declaring it will always be “NewJeans at heart,” regardless of the legal outcome.
This is not the first time a K-pop group has fought to cancel a contract. Acts like TVXQ and Fifty Fifty have also taken their companies to court, with mixed results and lineup changes.
NewJeans faces a lengthy legal battle that could take years to resolve. Until then, they may be unable to release or promote music independently unless done through Ador. If the court sides with the band, they could leave the label and keep their name. However, if they lose, they could face significant financial penalties.
In October, K-pop news outlet Koreaboo estimated the group might owe around 300 billion South Korean Won (about £170m) to terminate their contracts early.
