The meteoric rise of K-pop sensation NewJeans has hit a significant roadblock as the group faces a legal battle with their record label, Ador.
Formed in 2022, the five-member band—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—are embroiled in a dispute that could derail their careers. Ador has filed an injunction to prevent NewJeans from signing independent advertising deals and contracts, claiming such actions violate their exclusive agreements.
This escalating feud stems from the band’s allegations of harassment, bullying, and subterfuge at the company, claims that Ador vehemently denies.
The dispute began last November when NewJeans declared their contracts invalid due to what they described as a toxic work environment at Ador. In response, the label filed a lawsuit to enforce the contracts, accusing the band of attempting to negotiate independent deals without approval.
According to Ador, the injunction aims to avoid confusion and protect third parties, including advertisers. The company has also cautioned that unchecked unilateral actions by artists could destabilize South Korea’s highly lucrative K-pop industry.
Ador argues that the termination of exclusive contracts without legal procedures sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining future investments in the entertainment sector.
According to a statement shared with the Yonhap News Agency, the agency believes that NewJeans’ actions could weaken the structural integrity of the K-pop industry, where meticulously planned contracts are the norm. The implications of this dispute extend far beyond the band and their label, potentially influencing industry standards for years to come.
NewJeans, once hailed as K-pop’s next big thing for their fusion of 1990s R&B and sugary pop melodies, had an impressive 2023, ranking as the eighth best-selling act globally.
The band’s popularity earned them a nomination for Best Group at the MTV Awards. However, their relationship with Ador soured after Hybe, Ador’s parent company, allegedly pushed out their mentor, Min Hee-Jin.
The band demanded Min’s reinstatement, and when their pleas were ignored, they went public with allegations of sabotage by the label, claiming Hybe had intentionally derailed their careers.
In a dramatic press conference last November, NewJeans announced their departure from Ador, declaring that the label and Hybe had forfeited their right to represent them as artists. The group filed legal papers seeking to sever ties with the agency, but the case has yet to reach the courts.
Despite this, Ador insists the band’s contract, which extends until 2027, is legally binding. The label has already mapped out a schedule for NewJeans, including an album release and fan engagements over the next year.
Meanwhile, NewJeans have taken steps to assert their independence, launching a new Instagram account under the handle “jeanzforfree.” Through this platform, the members regularly connect with fans via live streams, emphasizing their commitment to their identity as NewJeans, regardless of the legal outcome.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. If the court sides with Ador, the band could face significant financial penalties, including a possible 300 billion South Korean Won (£170 million) payout to terminate their contract.
The group’s legal predicament mirrors earlier cases in the K-pop industry. Bands like TVXQ and Fifty Fifty have also sought to dissolve their contracts, with varying outcomes. These legal battles often result in prolonged court cases, lineup changes, and substantial financial losses.
For NewJeans, the biggest hurdle may be the potential delay in their creative output. If the case proceeds to trial, it could take two to three years to resolve, during which they may be prohibited from recording or promoting new music without Ador’s involvement.
The stakes are high for both parties. If NewJeans win their case, they may gain the freedom to continue their careers independently and possibly retain their name. Conversely, a ruling in favor of Ador could leave the band with limited options, further entrenching the power dynamics between K-pop labels and their artists.
Regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the growing tensions in the K-pop industry, where the balance of power between labels and artists remains a contentious issue.
