NewJeans injunction request was denied as the court ruled ADOR maintains valid exclusive rights over the group. The judge found no clear evidence of contract violations or a breakdown in trust between the parties. Public reaction turned critical toward NewJeans, especially after Hanni’s comments about the K-pop industry sparked backlash.
Court Rules Against NewJeans in Key Injunction Case
A Seoul court ruled that NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, cannot pursue independent activities without approval from ADOR. The Civil Agreement Division 50 of the Seoul Central District Court accepted ADOR’s injunction request against the five NJZ members. ADOR had asked the court to block the members from signing advertising deals or engaging in solo entertainment work. The court found these arguments valid and ruled fully in favor of ADOR.
NewJeans Injunction Denies Contract Termination Claims
The court stated there was insufficient evidence to prove that ADOR had violated the terms of its exclusive contract. It emphasized that removing former CEO Min Heejin was a management matter unrelated to the members’ contractual rights. The contract did not guarantee her continued involvement as the group’s producer. Therefore, her dismissal could not justify a legal termination of the agreement.
Reasons Behind the Court’s NewJeans Injunction Decision
The court rejected NJZ’s argument about ADOR’s alleged mishandling of advertising partners such as Dolphin Kidnappers. It ruled that conflicts involving a third party like Dolphin Kidnappers could not be considered a serious contract breach by ADOR. Claims related to ILLIT plagiarism or Hanni’s “ignore it” remark also lacked sufficient evidence to justify ending the contract. The court noted ADOR had met most of its obligations, including accurate financial settlements. While some minor issues existed, there was no pattern of serious violations or refusal to resolve concerns. It concluded that mutual trust had not been fundamentally broken.
ADOR’s Investment and NewJeans Contract Obligations
The court highlighted that ADOR made major investments in NJZ members even before their official debut. It recognized that ADOR had taken financial and business risks to support unknown trainees with large-scale planning and funding. Within two years, the group earned major public attention and commercial success. If they now ended the contract unilaterally, ADOR would face major losses. The court viewed this as an unfair outcome for the agency that developed their careers.
Public Reaction to NewJeans Injunction Ruling
Online users at MLBPARK strongly reacted to the court’s ruling against NJZ. Many argued that NJZ had lost the injunction case completely since none of their claims were accepted by the court. They believe ADOR will likely win the upcoming main lawsuit as well, unless NJZ presents new legal arguments. Most users think NJZ has already used up all possible claims.
Controversy Grows Over Hanni’s TIME Interview
Hanni’s recent remarks in TIME Magazine have triggered controversy across Korean online communities. She commented, “Maybe this is just the current reality in Korea… It almost feels like Korea wants to turn us into revolutionaries.” Many users on MLBPARK were upset, saying her words unfairly criticized the K-pop system. They pointed out that NJZ received luxury dorms and strong support during training, not poor treatment. People felt betrayed that members who rose to fame with ADOR’s help were now criticizing Korea on the global stage. The backlash is now spreading to other online platforms.

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NewJeans seems too young to understand the importance of contracts. Don’t they teach about contracts in Korean schools? Since NewJeans broke the contract, they should just beg ADOR.