Seoul, South Korea – A South Korean court has ruled against K-pop band NewJeans in an ongoing legal battle with their record label Ador. The court upheld an injunction that prevents the group – who recently announced a rebranding as NJZ – from engaging in independent musical or commercial activities.
The Seoul Central District Court stated that the band’s attempt to rename themselves and split from Ador could potentially harm the label’s reputation. This decision comes after NewJeans accused the label of mistreatment, manipulation, deliberate miscommunications, and workplace harassment, seeking to void their contract with Ador.
Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe (the company behind K-pop sensations like BTS), refuted these allegations. They claimed that NewJeans is still under contract and cannot pursue entertainment activities without the label’s consent. The legal dispute gained attention in South Korea, especially after NewJeans publicly terminated their contract with Ador and announced their name change to NJZ.
NewJeans, a promising K-pop group, achieved significant success with hits like “Attention” and “Super Shy,” attracting fans known as “bunnies.” Their battle with Ador has drawn interest not only from their loyal followers but also from the South Korean music industry as a whole. The group’s decision to perform at the ComplexCon Hong Kong festival as NJZ despite the court ruling demonstrates their determination to continue their music careers.
In a joint statement, multiple industry bodies criticized practices like “tampering,” where external parties form direct relationships with bands under contract, bypassing their agencies. The industry called for regulatory measures to prevent such practices and ensure the sustainable growth of the pop culture and arts sector.
Ador’s lawsuit against NewJeans is scheduled for a full hearing on April 3, following the court’s immediate injunction. Despite respecting the initial ruling, the band plans to challenge it by presenting additional legal issues and evidence. According to legal experts, the court’s decision to issue the injunction indicates potential weaknesses in NewJeans’ legal case, prompting further scrutiny of the claims and evidence presented in court.
As the legal battle continues, fans of NewJeans remain eager to see how the situation unfolds and what impact it may have on the K-pop industry. The dedication and talent of artists like NewJeans highlight the complexities and challenges of the entertainment business, reflecting a broader discussion on artist rights and agency relationships.