The final mediation between ADOR and NewJeans has failed. On September 11, lawyers for both sides met behind closed doors, though neither NewJeans or executives from ADOR were present. The session lasted only twenty minutes as legal representatives for both sides refused to compromise. Now a judge will deliver a final ruling on October 30 that will determine if NewJeans are allowed to terminate their contract with ADOR.
The Roots of the Dispute
For those who need a quick recap, this mess started last November. NewJeans declared they had the power to terminate their contract with ADOR, due to alleged mistreatment. They claimed the ouster of ADOR’ CEO Min Hee-jin, who was also the group’s creative director) was an attempt to sabotage the group.
Their argument was that HYBE was letting their dispute with MHJ interfere with their ability to act professionally. That HYBE was throwing a temper tantrum by hurting NewJeans to get back at MHJ.
ADOR rejected these allegations. The label sued to confirm the contract’s validity and secured an injunction that prevented NewJeans’ from pursuing independent activities. The injunction blocks the group from releasing music or performing without ADOR’s approval, forcing the group to go on an indefinite hiatus in May 2024.
Where is the Evidence?
NewJeans has painted HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s leadership style as toxic. That might be true. I’d imagine even making any reference to NewJeans would at the very least, cause tension for HYBE employees. What was originally a falling out between Bang and MHJ devolved into a PR nightmare. One that ILLIT, LE SSERAFIM and now NewJeans still haven’t fully recovered from.
Yet none of that guarantees a legal victory. Even if you could argue Bang’s influence in ADOR has made a toxic work environment, NewJeans hasn’t proved that it’s an abusive one. They have not made any statements or submitted evidence that makes us feel a sense of fear for them. That returning to ADOR would put the girls in danger, or harm them physically.
I specifically mentioned physical harm (violence, unsafe working or living arrangements) because not all judges take emotional and psychological abuse seriously.
Historically, South Korean courts have sided with agencies in disputes like this. The exceptions are when artists proved the agency violated the contract, usually due to dangerous working conditions or unfair contract terms. That absence of evidence is the biggest weakness in NewJeans’ case.
Why the Odds Favor ADOR
In August 2025, ADOR appointed Lee Dokyung as its new CEO. She’s replacing Kim Ju-young, who held the position for about a year after Min Hee-jin’s ouster. Lee used to work in HYBE’s IPX division, which focuses on building artist IP through merchandise, licensing, and fan experiences. Her appointment could be seen as an attempt by ADOR to reposition itself as a business-first label. One that’s detached from the chaos of the Min–Bang feud.
Judges are often reluctant to dissolve contracts if they believe conditions have changed. I can see a judge wanting the girls to return and see if they can work things out with the new management. Then see if the damage is permanent and warrants contract termination.
What Comes Next
On October 30, a judge will make the call. At this point, I’d be shocked if the judge ruled in NewJeans’s favor. If they lose, I see them filing to appeal the court’s decision, but they’d just be delaying the inevitable at that point.
Realistically, the group will be ordered to return to ADOR’s management to finish out their contract. NewJeans needs to accept that, make peace with that because only a miracle will allow them to walk away from HYBE.
