The Entire NewJeans (NJZ) Drama Explained

The South Korean girl group NewJeans, consisting of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, has been at the center of a significant dispute with their label, ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation.

This conflict has led to contract terminations, legal battles, and a rebranding of the group.

Timeline of the NewJeans and HYBE Drama

Here’s a detailed timeline of the events:

August 2024: Min Heejin’s Departure

In August 2024, Min Heejin, the CEO and creative director of ADOR, stepped down from her position. Min was instrumental in forming and shaping NewJeans, and her departure raised concerns among the members about the group’s future direction.

September 2024: NewJeans’ Public Appeal

On September 11, 2024, NewJeans conducted a surprise YouTube live broadcast titled “What NewJeans want to say.” During this session, the members expressed their dissatisfaction with Min Heejin’s removal and felt alienated within the company. They emphasized Min’s crucial role in their creative process and called for her reinstatement as CEO by September 25.

November 2024: Contract Termination Announcement

After their appeal was not addressed, the members issued a 14-day notice to ADOR, stating their intention to terminate their contracts if Min was not reinstated by November 27. On November 28, they announced the termination of their contracts, citing ADOR’s breach of duty and failure to rectify issues. They expressed a desire to continue their careers together but acknowledged potential challenges in using the name “NewJeans” moving forward.

December 2024: ADOR’s Legal Response

In response to the contract termination, ADOR filed a lawsuit on December 3 with the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of their exclusive contracts with NewJeans. The company expressed regret over the situation but emphasized the importance of upholding contractual agreements to maintain trust in the K-pop industry.

January 2025: Injunction Filed Against NewJeans

In January 2025, ADOR filed an injunction against the members of NewJeans to prevent potential confusion and harm to third parties, including advertisers. The company argued that unilateral terminations without legal procedures could destabilize the K-pop sector. A preliminary court hearing for the injunction was set for March, with the lawsuit hearing scheduled for April.

February 2025: Rebranding as NJZ

On February 6, 2025, the members announced they would continue their activities under the new name NJZ. They confirmed their first performance under this name at ComplexCon Hong Kong in late March. In an interview, member Hanni expressed their desire to focus on their careers rather than the ongoing legal battle. ADOR responded by stating that announcing a new group name without legal judgment could constitute a breach of the exclusive agency contract.

Impact on HYBE

The dispute had financial repercussions for HYBE Corporation. Following NewJeans’ announcement of their intent to leave ADOR due to alleged mistreatment, HYBE’s market capitalization dropped by $420 million. The group accused ADOR of mistreatment, including instances of workplace bullying, which ADOR disputes.

What About Now?

As of March 2025, the legal proceedings between NJZ (formerly NewJeans) and ADOR are ongoing. The group’s future activities under their new identity remain a focal point for fans and industry observers alike.

This dispute highlights the complexities within the K-pop industry, particularly concerning artist management and contractual agreements. The outcome of this case may set significant precedents for future artist-agency relationships in South Korea.

Whose side are you on in this legal battle?

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