K-pop powerhouse Ador has filed a legal injunction against NewJeans, alleging the group is attempting to secure independent deals without label approval.

The dispute began in November when NewJeans claimed their contracts were invalid, citing alleged bullying and harassment at the company. Ador denies these allegations and maintains the group's contract is valid until 2027.

The conflict escalated after Hybe, Ador's parent company, reportedly removed the group's mentor and former Ador CEO Min Hee-Jin. NewJeans demanded Min's reinstatement and subsequently made public allegations that Hybe deliberately undermined their careers in retaliation.

NewJeans, who ranked as the eighth biggest-selling act worldwide in 2023 and secured an MTV VMAs Best Group nomination in 2024, held a press conference announcing their departure and filed for legal separation from the agency.

Ador's latest injunction aims to prevent "confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers." The label warns that allowing unilateral contract terminations could destabilize the K-pop industry and discourage investment.

The group has established a new Instagram presence under "jeanzforfree" and continues to engage with fans through livestreams. However, they face a significant challenge: the legal battle could take years to resolve, potentially leaving them unable to record or promote new music unless they continue working under their existing Ador contract.

NewJeans maintains they will fight to preserve their name and career, stating they'll remain "NewJeans at heart" regardless of the legal outcome.

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