NJZ Stands Strong in Battle for Fair Treatment
NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, is taking a stand in one of K-pop’s most high-profile legal battles, fighting for fair treatment and artistic independence.
The group is locked in a dispute with ADOR, a HYBE-owned label, which is suing them for terminating their contract. NJZ argues that they experienced mistreatment and have taken legal action to sever ties with the company.
NJZ vs. ADOR Timeline
The conflict escalated in August 2024 when Min Hee-jin, who also served as the group’s creative director, was removed as ADOR’s CEO after being accused of attempting to take control of the label by “selling company shares and leaking confidential information.”
In September 2024, NJZ publicly demanded her reinstatement, but it was unsuccessful.
By November, NJZ announced their departure from ADOR, citing mistreatment, manipulation, and workplace harassment.
Group member Hanni criticized the label’s focus on profit over artistry, stating that the company “no longer has any sincerity in the art of the music that is created… and does not have any conscience about the negative effect they create through their non-authentic means.”
NJZ maintains they are not in breach of contract, asserting that ADOR violated their contractual obligations. NJZ gave the label 14 days to correct its failures, which ADOR allegedly ignored.
NJZ for COMPLEX. pic.twitter.com/3heUtSIGVs
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) February 7, 2025
However, ADOR insists that NJZ’s contract remains valid and states “claiming that trust has been unilaterally broken does not constitute grounds for termination.”
In December 2024, ADOR filed a lawsuit to confirm the contract’s validity, followed by a January injunction request to prevent NJZ from advertising activities, which was expanded to include all music-related activities in February.
ADOR claims this move was not about restricting NJZ but ensuring adherence to their contract, which allegedly runs until 2029.
NJZ argues that ADOR’s legal actions are indeed an attempt to suppress their entertainment activities entirely.
A preliminary hearing is set for March, with a trial scheduled for April. If the lawsuit goes to trial, it could take up to three years to resolve, limiting NJZ’s ability to release new music unless it’s through ADOR.
If the court rules in NJZ’s favor, they can walk away, otherwise, they may face financial penalties.
NJZ’s Recent Statement
On March 5, NJZ issued a statement reiterating their stance and countering ADOR’s claims. They emphasized that their contract was legally terminated on November 29, 2024, due to ADOR’s breaches.
Hello, this is NJZ.
— NJZ Loops (@newjeans_loop) March 6, 2025
Last Friday, we felt it necessary to clarify our position to prevent any misunderstandings regarding ADOR's additional statement and the injunction scheduled for this week.
We terminated our exclusive contract with ADOR as of November 29, 2024, due to their… pic.twitter.com/aA8fVtz9Jh
NJZ accused ADOR of attempting to block their entertainment career entirely, citing the label’s expanded injunction request in February to prohibit all music and advertising activities.
The group also alleged discrimination and unfair treatment within HYBE, with their complaints repeatedly dismissed.
They stressed that continuing under ADOR would cause severe psychological distress, and remain firm in their decision as they prepare for the legal battle ahead, hoping to prevent others from experiencing similar treatment.
The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain. Still, its implications extend beyond NJZ and ADOR, highlighting broader issues of artist rights, contract disputes, and power dynamics within the K-pop industry.
Fans and industry watchers will follow the trial closely, awaiting a resolution that could redefine the relationship between K-pop idols and their management.
