NewJeans to appeal court decision on contract dispute case

NewJeans has released a statement following the Seoul Central District Court's decision upholding the validity of the group’s exclusive contract with ADOR.

Citing the group’s legal representative Shin & Kim LLC, Soompi reported on Thursday that members Danielle, Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein will "immediately" appeal the court ruling.

“For the lawsuit filed by ADOR against the members for the confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contracts, the Seoul Central District Court ruled at the court of first instance today that the exclusive contracts are valid,” the statement began.

While the members respect the court’s decision, the law firm stated that it would be impossible for NewJeans to return to ADOR and resume their entertainment activities normally, as their trust in the agency has “completely collapsed.” 

“Accordingly, the members will immediately appeal the first-instance ruling, and they hope the appellate court will once again comprehensively review the facts to date and the legal principles governing termination of the exclusive contracts and render a wise judgment,” it added. 

The members have expressed their gratitude to their fans who have been waiting and showing support for them. 

Earlier, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR in its contract dispute with NewJeans.

According to a report by The Chosun Daily, the court said that it was “difficult to recognize that ADOR violated any contractual obligations” by dismissing former CEO Min Hee Jin.

The court also ordered NewJeans to pay the litigation costs.

The dispute began after NewJeans notified ADOR of contract termination in November 2024, citing loss of trust following the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin. The group later rebranded as NJZ and pursued independent activities.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News