NewJeans Takes Stand Against Record Label in Contract Dispute

K-pop group NewJeans is in a legal dispute with their record label Ador. The five-member band, formed in 2022, has accused Ador of bullying and harassment, leading them to claim their contracts are invalid.

In response, Ador has filed a lawsuit to uphold the contracts and prevent the group from signing independent deals.

The band, which has become a major success in K-pop, including being the eighth biggest-selling act in 2023, is now at odds with their label after Hybe, Ador’s parent company, allegedly forced out their mentor, Min Hee-Jin. When Hybe refused to restore Min, NewJeans publicly shared complaints about the label’s treatment.

In a press conference last November, the band declared their departure from Ador and filed legal papers to break their ties with the agency. The case is still pending, with the band seeking independence from the label.

Ador argues that the group’s contract, running until 2027, should remain in place and has planned a schedule for the band’s activities, including album releases and fan meetings.

However, NewJeans has launched a new Instagram account, “jeanzforfree,” where they interact with fans, signaling their intent to continue their careers independently.

If the case goes to trial, it could take up to three years to resolve, delaying the band’s ability to release new music. If the court rules against NewJeans, they may face a financial penalty of up to 300 billion South Korean Won (around £170 million) to exit the contract early.