K-pop group NewJeans faces legal action from record label Ador over alleged unauthorized independent deals. The dispute emerged after NewJeans claimed their contracts were invalid due to bullying and harassment allegations at the company.

Photo Credit: NewJeans by Siyoung Song for Ador

Ador filed a legal injunction to prevent NewJeans from signing independent contracts, citing potential industry destabilization and harm to third parties. The label maintains their contract with NewJeans remains valid until 2027.

The conflict intensified after Hybe, Ador's parent company, reportedly removed former CEO Min Hee-Jin, who served as NewJeans' mentor. The group demanded Min's reinstatement and later accused Hybe of deliberately undermining their careers.

Despite being the eighth biggest-selling act worldwide in 2023 and receiving an MTV VMAs nomination for Best Group in 2024, NewJeans announced their departure from the company in November 2024. They established a new social media presence under "jeanzforfree" and vowed to maintain their identity regardless of legal outcomes.

The ongoing legal battle could potentially leave NewJeans unable to record or promote new music for several years unless they continue working with Ador under their existing contract. The group members maintain they will fight to preserve their name and career while remaining "NewJeans at heart."

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