Seoul Court Upholds NewJeans Contract, Bars Activity

On Oct. 30, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that NewJeans' exclusive contract with ADOR remains valid and cannot be voided solely because former CEO Min Hee‑jin was dismissed. The court found ADOR did not breach its management duties, said there was no contractual guarantee that Min remain CEO, rejected the members' claims of an irreparable breakdown of trust, and criticized Min's public campaign as not solely aimed at protecting the group. Earlier injunctions and the court's enforcement order bar the five members from independent activities and authorize a 1 billion won penalty for each unauthorized act; the members — who had announced plans to operate as "NJZ" and have alleged mistreatment — said they will appeal. ADOR and the Korea Management Federation welcomed the ruling; ADOR said it is ready to resume discussions with the artists and to continue planned albums and promotions. The decision resolves the legal dispute for now while underscoring the contractual control labels hold in South Korea's K‑pop industry.