NewJeans to Return to ADOR After Court Ruling; Group Skips Re-Appeal
K-pop group NewJeans will return to ADOR following a court ruling banning independent activities. The group has decided not to re-appeal the decision, signaling their compliance.
NewJeans set to return to ADOR after skipping re-appeal in court ruling over independent activities.
The legal battle between K-pop girl group NewJeans (NJZ) and their label ADOR has reached a significant turning point. As of June 24, the South Korean court’s decision to block NewJeans from pursuing independent activities has been finalized, marking the end of the group's injunction challenge.
Court Ruling Finalized as Re-Appeal Deadline Passes
According to legal sources, the members of NewJeans did not file a re-appeal within the legally mandated 7-day period, effectively allowing the court’s earlier decision to stand. As a result, the injunction prohibiting them from engaging in solo promotions, brand deals, or other independent commercial activities outside of ADOR remains in force.
The decision stems from a ruling that granted ADOR exclusive management rights, affirming that NewJeans must conduct all activities under the terms of their existing contracts with the agency.
Court Sides with ADOR on Contractual Grounds
This development follows the Seoul High Court’s earlier dismissal of NewJeans’ appeal against the March injunction. The court emphasized that permitting the group to act independently could result in unjust gains derived from ADOR’s past investments in the group, leading to significant financial harm for the agency.
Although the injunction restricts solo activity, the group is still permitted to continue promoting as NewJeans, provided those activities are carried out in accordance with ADOR’s management.
Will NewJeans Return to ADOR?
Despite the finalized ruling, NewJeans has maintained that they have no intention of returning to ADOR. Their legal team has made no public statements regarding the decision to skip a re-appeal, but industry insiders suggest it may be a strategic move—possibly to shift focus toward the main lawsuit, which holds broader implications for the group's future.
Fans and observers are left speculating whether this silence indicates a softening stance, or a potential re-evaluation of their legal approach, possibly even opening the door to a future reconciliation.
What’s Next: Main Lawsuit Scheduled for July 24
While the injunction dispute has now concluded, the main legal case between NewJeans and ADOR is still underway. The third court hearing is set for July 24, where the core issue—the validity of the group’s exclusive contracts—will be examined.
This ruling will ultimately determine whether ADOR will maintain long-term legal control over NewJeans or if the group will gain the right to terminate their agreements.
