‘ADOR Supporters (@Adorsupporters)’ Releases Position Statement

Statement on the First Instance Ruling in the ADOR v. NewJeans Lawsuit to Confirm the Validity of the Exclusive Contract

On October 30, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in the first instance of the lawsuit filed by NewJeans to confirm the validity of their exclusive contract that the exclusive contract remains valid.

This ruling confirms that NewJeans has completely lost on legal logic and grounds, as was the case in a series of legal proceedings previously filed by ADOR, including the injunction prohibiting independent activities, objections to the injunction, and appeals.

This ruling made clear that the “dismissal of CEO Min Hee-jin,” which was claimed as grounds for termination of the exclusive contract, is not legally valid. This represents the judiciary’s recognition that NewJeans’ success was not achieved solely through Min Hee-jin’s individual contributions, but was the result of HYBE’s support working in conjunction.

Furthermore, the court determined that former CEO Min Hee-jin’s attempt at independence actually existed, acknowledging that while she may not have had concrete plans to execute the independence, there were actions taken to explore independence. This makes it clear that Min Hee-jin also bears responsibility for the conflict.

With this ruling, the outcome is now clear: NewJeans should return as artists under ADOR and withdraw their activity suspension.

Although this is far from a future where everyone wins and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin will be excluded, there is still ample room for HYBE, ADOR’s current management, and NewJeans to seek a “solution of coexistence” through a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. ADOR Supporters hopes that this ruling will serve as a starting point for restoring relationships based on law and principle, rather than resulting in victory or defeat for any particular individual.

Thank you.

October 30, 2025, ADOR Supporters