On September 11, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 41 held the second mediation session regarding ADOR’s lawsuit to confirm the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract. Unlike the first session on August 14 where members Minji and Danielle attended as representatives none of the members were present this time.
The second mediation lasted only 20 minutes before breaking down, marking another failed attempt at compromise. The court is now scheduled to deliver its verdict on October 30.
The conflict dates back to last year when former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin was dismissed. Following her departure, NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR in November 2024 and announced plans to continue activities independently under the name NJZ.
In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit in December 2024, seeking confirmation that the contract remained valid. Earlier this year, the court granted ADOR’s request for injunctions to preserve the agency’s status and block members from signing advertising contracts independently.
While ADOR insists the exclusive contract is still binding and continues to push for reconciliation, NewJeans has made it clear they will not return without Min Hee Jin, arguing that trust has been irreparably broken.
As a result, NewJeans’ group activities have been on hold since their Japanese double single Supernatural in June 2024. Their last Korean release was the double single How Sweet in May 2024, leaving fans waiting over a year for new music.
With the long hiatus stretching further, all eyes are now on the October 30 ruling that could determine the group’s future.
Sources: Daum
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