NJZ (formerly known as NewJeans) are locked in a dispute with their agency, HYBE’s ADOR, and the conflict reached a new level after a recent court hearing. According to reports, the Seoul Central District Court ordered the quintet to submit a more detailed justification for their contract termination by March 14, 2025. This comes after HYBE’s ADOR filed an injunction to prevent the group from leaving the label on January 6, 2025.
ADOR’s side at the first court hearing of their injunction against NewJeans:
— "None of the eight remedies requested by the debtors (NewJeans) can be grounds for termination of the exclusive contract. NewJeans (NJZ) is one of Korea's leading global girl groups. The dedication of… pic.twitter.com/fFYga98YDm
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) March 7, 2025
During the first hearing on March 7, 2025, both sides presented lengthy slides: 93 from NewJeans and 229 from HYBE’s ADOR. The group had 13 reasons to exit their contract, while the agency countered each one. NJZ claims that they have lost trust in the company, but HYBE’s ADOR says they want to preserve stability and work with them.
It has been reported that NewJeans have been ordered to reorganize and submit a list of reasons for terminating their contract by the 14th, when the preliminary injunction will be decided. It seems the judge wasn’t impressed by what he heard. 😅https://t.co/9uqbjpompb pic.twitter.com/bTXCL2sO6X
— Sniper22 (@Snper22) March 8, 2025
One key point involves member Hanni, who alleged that HYBE’s newer group ILLIT was ordered to ignore her by one of the managers. HYBE’s ADOR disputed this claim with CCTV footage and texts, calling the situation a misunderstanding. Meanwhile, NJZ accused HYBE of downplaying their success to promote other acts. With the court demanding clearer evidence by March 14, 2025, Bunnies (that’s the name NJZ fans have) are intrigued by the final result of this feud.