NewJeans Members Danielle & Minji Appear in Court for Contract Case With ADOR

NewJeans

Danielle and Minji of NewJeans arrived at the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday afternoon to attend a court-ordered mediation session in their ongoing contract dispute with agency ADOR.

The two members of the girl group personally appeared before the 41st civil division to discuss ADOR's lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contracts signed in 2022.

Photographed entering the courthouse separately, both Danielle and Minji declined to comment when approached by reporters, offering only a brief apology before proceeding inside. Court officials had specifically requested their in-person attendance, marking a rare public appearance by the NewJeans members amid the legal battle that has played out largely behind closed doors.

ADOR maintains that the contracts remain legally binding despite the group's declaration of contract termination last November. The agency filed suit in December, arguing that unilateral claims of a broken relationship do not justify termination. NewJeans, however, contend that the departure of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and her creative team constituted a breach of trust that voids any obligations to the label.

During Thursday's mediation, both sides were expected to negotiate terms that could lead to a settlement carrying the same legal weight as a court judgment. If mediation fails, the court has scheduled a final ruling on October 30, when a judge will determine whether ADOR's exclusive contracts with all five group members stand. Until that date, NewJeans faces restrictions on independent activities, including endorsements and performances outside ADOR's consent.

This dispute follows earlier rulings. In March, the court granted ADOR an injunction blocking NewJeans from signing solo endorsement deals and performing independently. In late May, the same court imposed a penalty of 1 billion won (approximately US $725,000) on each member for any unauthorized entertainment activity, enforcing indirect compulsory execution to ensure compliance with the injunction.

Industry analysts note that a settlement could preserve NewJeans' ability to resume group activities without further legal hurdles, while a ruling in ADOR's favor would reinforce the label's control over the group's schedules and promotions. Either outcome will be closely watched as a potential precedent for future disputes between K-pop artists and their agencies.

The mediation session concluded quietly, with no public announcements. Both sides have agreed to submit additional materials ahead of the October hearing. Until then, NewJeans' full return to music and promotional activities remains on hold.

Originally published on Kpop Starz