Seoul Court Upholds NewJeans Contract with ADOR Through 2029 Amid Dispute

South Korean girl group NewJeans has lost a significant legal battle as the Seoul Central District Court ruled their exclusive contract with ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary, remains valid until 2029 despite the group's claims of mistreatment and irreparable loss of trust. The court found that the dismissal of ADOR's former CEO Min Hee-jin, who was a key figure for NewJeans, did not constitute a breach of contract and that ADOR continued to fulfill its contractual duties by promoting the group and preparing for new releases. NewJeans alleged mistreatment, workplace harassment, and manipulation by HYBE and ADOR, but these claims were dismissed by the court, which emphasized that personal trust in Min was not a contractual obligation. The group expressed disappointment and said they intend to appeal the decision, stating they no longer feel comfortable continuing under their current management. Meanwhile, ADOR and HYBE reaffirmed their commitment to managing NewJeans' activities, with plans for new projects and albums underway. This case has fueled ongoing discussions about artist rights and agency power dynamics within the K-pop industry, especially regarding long-term contracts and artist autonomy.