In the fast-paced world of K-Pop, where image and control are everything, one group is making headlines for all the right—and wrong—reasons. NewJeans, the chart-topping sensation, is locked in a bitter battle with their former label, ADOR. But this isn’t just another contract dispute. It’s a fight for creative freedom, identity, and justice in an industry that often silences its stars.
If you’ve been following the drama, you know it’s been a rollercoaster. Allegations of mistreatment, court rulings, and even a rebrand—NewJeans, now going by NJZ, is taking a stand that’s as bold as their music. So, what’s really going on here? Why is this group, once the darling of the K-Pop scene, now brazenly challenging the very label that launched them to stardom? Let’s dive into the details, the drama, and the defiance that’s shaking up the industry.
The Rise—and Fall—of NewJeans Under ADOR
First, a quick recap for those who might’ve missed the memo. NewJeans burst onto the scene in July 2022, formed by ADOR, a subsidiary of entertainment powerhouse HYBE. With members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, the group quickly became a global phenomenon. Their debut single Attention was an instant hit, and by 2023, they were topping charts worldwide, even landing on the Billboard 200. They were the fresh face of K-Pop, with a sound and style that felt both nostalgic and new.
But behind the scenes, trouble was brewing. The cracks started showing in April 2024 when HYBE announced an internal audit of ADOR. The reason? Allegations that then-CEO Min Hee-jin, a legendary figure in K-Pop who’d shaped the branding of groups like Girls’ Generation and EXO, was trying to seize control of the company. Min Hee-jin fired back, accusing HYBE of copying NewJeans’ concept for another group, ILLIT, and mistreating her artists. By August 2024, she was out, removed from her position as CEO. And that’s when NewJeans decided to join the fight.
The Breaking Point: Contract Termination and Court Battles
Fast forward to November 2024. NewJeans sent a formal notice to ADOR, demanding rectification of alleged contract breaches within 14 days. If not, they’d terminate their contract. The group didn’t hold back, accusing ADOR of manipulation, deliberate miscommunications, and even workplace harassment. One particularly shocking claim came from member Hanni, who said a manager told another group to “ignore” her. Ouch.
On November 28, 2024, NewJeans held an emergency press conference, announcing their departure from ADOR effective midnight. They made it clear: this was a collective decision, and they were done. But ADOR wasn’t going to let them walk away that easily. The label contested the termination, claiming no contracts were violated and that they expected to keep working with the group.
Then came the legal showdown. In March 2025, the Seoul Central District Court sided with ADOR, granting an injunction that blocked NewJeans from pursuing independent activities—like releasing music or signing advertising deals. The court’s ruling was a gut punch to the group, but they weren’t backing down. They rebranded as NJZ and vowed to appeal, even announcing a hiatus after their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong. During that show, Hanni’s voice cracked with emotion as she told the crowd, “It is really hard for us to say this, but this might be our last performance for a little while.”
What’s Driving This Defiance? A Fight for Control and Identity
So, why is NewJeans—or NJZ—taking such a brazen stance? At the heart of it, this is about more than just a contract. It’s about control—creative, personal, and professional. The group has laid out a list of grievances that paint a picture of an oppressive environment under ADOR. Here’s a breakdown of the key allegations and demands:
| Demand/Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Address HYBE Report | Claimed report suggested getting rid of NewJeans to start anew. |
| Apology for Hanni | Manager told another group to “ignore” her, alleging workplace harassment. |
| Replace PR Officer | Accused of downplaying NewJeans’ achievements. |
| Delete Unauthorized Content | Demanded removal of videos and photos used without consent. |
| Rectify Album Sales Practices | Alleged unfair practices affecting their sales. |
| Maintain Original Colors | Ensure group activities reflect their intended identity. |
| Resolve Dispute with Director | Address issues with music video director Shin Woo-seok. |
| Reinstate Min Hee-jin | Viewed as integral; forced exit by HYBE in 2024 a key trigger. |
These aren’t just petty complaints. They’re serious accusations that suggest a toxic work environment and a lack of respect for the artists’ rights. But perhaps the most telling demand is the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin. To NewJeans, she’s not just a CEO—she’s the architect of their identity. Member Danielle said it best in a September 2024 livestream: “She is irreplaceable.” This loyalty runs deep, and it’s what makes this dispute feel personal, not just professional.
ADOR’s Defense: Denials and Court Victories
Of course, ADOR isn’t taking this lying down. The label has consistently denied all allegations, insisting they’ve done nothing wrong. In response to the court’s March 2025 ruling, ADOR released a statement saying, “With our status as NewJeans’ exclusive agency now legally affirmed, we are fully committed to supporting the artists.” They’ve also expressed regret over the group’s press conference, calling it premature and suggesting that NewJeans’ claims of broken trust aren’t enough to justify contract termination.
But here’s the thing: in K-Pop, where labels hold immense power, ADOR’s stance isn’t surprising. The industry is built on control—over image, music, and even personal lives. What is surprising is that NewJeans is pushing back so publicly and forcefully. That’s not something you see every day in this world.
The Emotional Toll: A Hiatus and a Rebrand
NewJeans’ decision to rebrand as NJZ and take a hiatus is a bold move, but it’s also a sign of how much this fight is costing them. During their Hong Kong performance, the weight of the situation was palpable. Danielle spoke of wanting to “proceed freely with the activities that we really desire,” while Hanni’s tearful announcement of their hiatus showed just how emotionally draining this battle has been.
This isn’t just about music anymore—it’s about survival. The group is fighting for their right to exist on their own terms, to create without interference, and to be treated with the respect they’ve earned. And in an industry where artists are often seen as replaceable, that’s a radical act.
The Unexpected Twist: Loyalty to Min Hee-jin
If there’s one thing that sets this dispute apart, it’s NewJeans’ unwavering loyalty to Min Hee-jin. In K-Pop, where CEOs and creative directors are often faceless figures, Min Hee-jin’s influence on NewJeans is profound. She didn’t just manage them; she shaped their entire aesthetic and sound. Her forced exit in 2024 wasn’t just a corporate shakeup—it was a betrayal, at least in the eyes of the group.
This personal allegiance is rare in an industry where artists are often pitted against their labels. It’s also a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, K-Pop is still a business—and sometimes, the people who make the magic happen are the ones who get burned.
What’s Next for NJZ?
As of now, the future is uncertain. NewJeans, or NJZ, is appealing the court’s decision, but the road ahead is rocky. Their hiatus could last months, maybe longer, depending on how the legal battle plays out. But one thing is clear: they’re not giving up. This fight is about more than just one group—it’s about setting a precedent for artist rights in K-Pop.
In an industry where stars are often silenced, NewJeans’ courage to challenge the status quo is a beacon of hope. Their defiance could inspire change, not just for themselves, but for future generations of K-Pop artists who dream of creative freedom. And that, more than any chart-topping hit, might be their most lasting legacy.
