A pivotal court ruling on the exclusive contract dispute between K-pop group NewJeans and their agency ADOR is set to be announced today, Thursday. The Civil Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Jeong Hoe Il, will issue its verdict on ADOR’s lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, which seeks confirmation of the contract’s validity.
Despite mediation sessions held on August 14 and September 11, both sides failed to reach a settlement. The upcoming verdict will clarify whether the group’s existing contract remains valid or whether compensation, such as a penalty fee, will be required instead of continuing the management relationship. The conflict began last November when NewJeans informed ADOR of their intent to terminate the contract, citing alleged breaches of obligations. ADOR responded in December with a lawsuit to affirm the agreement’s legitimacy and protect its management rights over the group.
