In brief
In a disappointing turn of events for K-pop group NewJeans, a South Korean court has ruled that their contract with Ador remains valid until 2029, rejecting their claims of mistreatment and manipulation. The group intends to appeal the ruling amidst ongoing tensions following the dismissal of their mentor, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. Despite the legal challenges, NewJeans continues to assert their inability to return to normal activity under Ador.
K-pop group NewJeans has lost a legal battle to leave its record label Ador. A South Korean court on Tuesday ruled that the act's contract with the label, which runs until 2029, remains valid.
The group's five members - Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji - announced last year that they were unilaterally leaving the agency, citing mistreatment and manipulation.
The group has said it will appeal the ruling, according to local media reports.
NewJeans stated it is impossible to return to Ador and continue their activities as normal, the reports said.
The Seoul Central District Court rejected NewJeans' argument that the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also the group's mentor, constituted a breach of contract. NewJeans alleged that her dismissal broke their trust with the agency.
In a statement released after the ruling, Ador expressed hope that the judgment will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter and stated that it is prepared for the members' upcoming activities, including an album release.
The case has raised eyebrows in South Korea, where record labels typically hold significant power over their artists. NewJeans had quickly risen to fame since their formation in July 2022, with prominent hits such as Attention and SuperShy. Their music's blend of 1990s R&B and pop melodies has been celebrated as a refreshing departure from the K-pop norm.
Tuesday's ruling follows a year-long standoff between the group and its agency, culminating in public disputes and an ultimatum regarding the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin. The ongoing saga highlights the often intense and complicated relationships between K-pop artists and their management.
