Ador Takes Legal Action Against NewJeans Over Advertising Contracts

Ador, the agency behind K-pop sensation NewJeans, has filed an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court to prevent the group’s members from independently signing advertising contracts. This legal move comes amid an escalating dispute over the validity of the group’s exclusive contracts with the agency.

Filed last week, the injunction aims to reassert Ador’s authority as NewJeans’ management agency while the separate lawsuit concerning the termination of their contracts proceeds.

Ador claims the members have been contacting advertisers to negotiate independent deals, a move the agency argues could create confusion and harm third parties.

NewJeans members have asserted that their contracts were terminated on November 29, citing Ador’s alleged failure to fulfill its contractual obligations. In contrast, Ador insists the contracts remain valid and has filed a lawsuit to confirm their enforceability.

“This decision was made to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers,” Ador stated. The agency further warned that allowing unilateral contract terminations and independent activities without proper legal resolution could have far-reaching implications for the K-pop industry.

“Such actions could undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilize the K-pop sector,” the agency added in its court filing.

The legal battle has drawn significant attention, as NewJeans continues to rise as one of the most influential fourth-generation K-pop groups. The court’s decision on the injunction and the broader lawsuit could set a precedent for how contract disputes are handled in the competitive entertainment industry.