The NewJeans and ADOR contract dispute continues to dominate K-pop headlines as the girl group and their agency failed to reach an agreement during their court-arranged mediation on August 14, 2025. With tensions still running high and no resolution in sight, fans are left wondering if their beloved quintet will ever find peace with HYBE.
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NewJeans Latest Mediation Attempt Ends Without Agreement
In a court-arranged mediation, which was set for August 14, Minji and Danielle attended the exchange as the team’s representatives alongside their legal team. According to Chosun Ilbo, after about 80 minutes of talk, the two sides were unable to reach a middle ground. A second settlement date has been set for September 11.
Mediation Timeline and Key Details
| Court Proceedings | Details |
|---|---|
| First Mediation | August 14, 2025 |
| Duration | 80 minutes |
| NewJeans Representatives | Minji and Danielle |
| Outcome | No settlement reached |
| Next Mediation Date | September 11, 2025 |
| Final Verdict Date | October 30, 2025 (if no settlement) |
Unlike their previous appearances, where the five members were present, offering their thoughts to the world, the two refrained from sharing their stance during the meeting today, and only smiled at the cameras, saying they’re sorry about not being able to give any more statements.
Core Issues Dividing NewJeans and ADOR
Management Breakdown: The group has maintained its demand to leave ADOR and thereby HYBE over claims of mismanagement, while the label has continued to deny any such instances and stuck to wanting an amicable way forward for the team.
The Min Hee Jin Factor: However, their biggest concern continues to be the removal of Min Hee Jin, who participated in the production of the team, from the CEO position. The singers want her reinstated and share that her removal means major harm to their identity.
Plagiarism Allegations: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein have accused the team behind BELIFT LAB of plagiarising their concepts, dance and style for the debut of ILLIT.
For more updates on K-pop legal disputes and industry controversies, stay connected with our entertainment section.
Trust Breakdown at the Heart of Dispute
They have cited a complete breakdown of trust between the two parties as their reason for filing the lawsuit and demanding their exit from the agency.
What NewJeans Claims:
- Mismanagement by ADOR and HYBE
- Unauthorized removal of Min Hee Jin from CEO position
- Concept plagiarism affecting ILLIT’s debut
- Complete breakdown of trust with current management
ADOR/HYBE’s Response:
- Denies all mismanagement claims
- Seeks amicable resolution for the group’s future
- Alleges Min Hee Jin attempted to usurp control of ADOR
- Maintains contracts are legally valid and binding
Stay updated with the latest NewJeans news and K-pop industry developments.
The Min Hee Jin Connection
HYBE, in turn, has alleged that Min Hee Jin wanted to usurp the current management and take control of ADOR, resulting in a separate dispute between the two.
The former ADOR CEO’s influence on NewJeans’ identity and artistic direction has become the central point of contention, with the group viewing her removal as fundamentally damaging to their career and creative vision.
High Stakes for K-pop Industry
This legal battle represents more than just a contract dispute – it’s setting precedents for artist rights and agency relationships in the K-pop industry.
Industry Impact:
- Artist autonomy vs. agency control debates
- Contract validity and termination procedures
- Creative control and artistic identity protection
- Management transparency and accountability
For comprehensive coverage of HYBE controversies and K-pop business developments, keep following our entertainment section.
What Happens Next?
If they are unable to reach an outside court settlement on September 12, the final verdict will be announced on October 30, deciding whether the girls’ contract stands valid.
Possible Outcomes:
- Settlement Reached: NewJeans and ADOR find middle ground
- Court Victory for NewJeans: Group gains freedom from contracts
- Court Victory for ADOR: Contracts remain valid and enforceable
- Partial Resolution: Compromise on specific issues
Fan Support and Industry Watching
The NewJeans fanbase remains divided between supporting the girls’ autonomy and hoping for reconciliation. Meanwhile, the K-pop industry is closely watching this case as it could influence future artist-agency relationships across all major labels.
Why This Case Matters:
- Sets legal precedent for contract disputes
- Influences future artist rights discussions
- Impacts HYBE’s reputation and stock performance
- Affects NewJeans’ career trajectory and fanbase
The September 11 mediation will be crucial in determining whether both parties can find common ground or if this dispute will require a final court judgment in October.
For more K-pop news and legal updates, visit Billboard and stay connected with the latest industry developments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main reason behind NewJeans’ contract dispute with ADOR?
A1: NewJeans wants to terminate their contract with ADOR primarily due to the removal of Min Hee Jin from the CEO position, whom they credit with their artistic identity and success. The group also claims mismanagement by ADOR and HYBE, and alleges that BELIFT LAB plagiarized their concepts for ILLIT’s debut. They cite a “complete breakdown of trust” as their reason for seeking to exit the agency.
Q2: When will the NewJeans and ADOR contract dispute be resolved?
A2: The next mediation attempt is scheduled for September 11, 2025, after the August 14 session failed to reach an agreement. If they cannot settle during the September mediation, the final court verdict will be announced on October 30, 2025, which will definitively determine whether NewJeans’ contracts with ADOR remain valid or can be terminated.
