NewJeans Gets Hit With Court Injunction in Ador Contract Battle, ComplexCon Show Still On

NewJeans Gets Hit With Court Injunction in Ador Contract Battle, ComplexCon Show Still On

By Marcus Stevenson

March 21, 2025 at 06:50 PM

Here's the concise, value-focused rewrite:

Ador has secured a temporary injunction against NewJeans/NJZ in their ongoing contract dispute, preventing the K-pop group from performing professional activities without the agency's involvement. However, the group's upcoming ComplexCon Hong Kong appearance will proceed as planned.

Portrait of K-pop singer Hyein

Portrait of K-pop singer Hyein

Key developments in the dispute:

  • NewJeans attempted to terminate their contract with Hybe/Ador in February 2024, citing contractual violations
  • The group briefly rebranded as NJZ while claiming independent status
  • Hybe contests all violation claims and maintains the original contract remains valid
  • A court hearing on the main contract termination lawsuit is scheduled for April 3rd

Despite the injunction, NewJeans will perform at ComplexCon Hong Kong on March 23rd. The group stated this decision was made "out of respect for our fans and all stakeholders involved." Ador has agreed to provide full on-site support for the concert, with the group performing under their original name as "an artist under Ador."

The upcoming April 3rd hearing could have significant implications for the K-pop industry, particularly regarding:

  • Artist contracts and their enforcement
  • Talent development practices
  • Agency-artist relationships
  • Industry standard contract terms

The group's legal team notes that unlike the injunction proceedings, the main lawsuit will allow them to "freely utilize civil procedure tools to collect necessary evidence," potentially strengthening their position in the dispute.

The situation remains fluid, with both parties maintaining their respective positions while ensuring scheduled performances continue for fans' benefit.

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