The legal drama between NJZ, formerly NewJeans, and their previous talent management agency, ADOR, has reached a critical juncture. The Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing on the latter's injunction request.
During the hearing, the agency said it is seeking to block NJZ from pursuing independent activities, arguing that the group remains bound by an exclusive contract. Meanwhile, NJZ members and their representatives maintained that the agreement was terminated last November due to alleged breaches by Ador.
Tensions escalated ahead of the hearing when NJZ's parents released a statement on Instagram accusing Ador of expanding its injunction request in February to prohibit not only advertising deals but all musical and entertainment activities. They claimed this move was an attempt to suppress the group's career while misleading the public about its intentions.
"It is an attempt to compromise our professional freedom," the group said. "NJZ's core is music activities, so constraining this is tantamount to denying our existential value."
In response, Ador issued a rebuttal, admitting to broadening its injunction request but defending it as a necessary step due to NJZ's continued activities, including new music releases and overseas concert plans. The agency emphasized that its goal was not to restrict NJZ's career but to ensure compliance with their contractual obligations.
"We are not trying to restrict their activities, but to warn them to maintain their activities while adhering to contractual agreements signed with Ador," the agency said.
It is worth noting that all five NJZ members—Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein, and Minji—all made a surprise appearance despite not being required to attend the hearing.
The court's decision on this injunction is expected within weeks and will determine whether NJZ can continue independent activities in the interim. That said, a separate trial is scheduled for April 3, during which the court will address the core issue of whether NJZ's contact with Ador remains legally binding.
