The popular K-pop band NewJeans has found itself at the center of a heated contract dispute with its record label, Ador.
The five-member group, which was formed by Ador in 2025, has been making waves in the K-pop scene with its unique blend of 1990s R&B and sugar-coated pop melodies.
However, the band’s relationship with Ador began to sour after the parent company, Hybe, allegedly forced out the group’s mentor, Min Hee-Jin. The band issued an ultimatum demanding that Min be restored, but Hybe refused. In response, the group went public with a number of complaints against the label, including allegations of bullying, harassment, and subterfuge.
In November last year, the five members of NewJeans – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein – announced their departure from Ador, stating that the company had lost the right to represent them as artists. The group subsequently filed court papers seeking a legal separation from the agency, but the case has yet to be heard.
Ador has argued that the band’s contract, which runs until 2027, should be upheld. The label has already finalized a schedule for the group’s next 12 months, which includes releasing a new album and hosting fan meetings. However, the band members have continued to assert their independence, creating a new Instagram account under the name “jeanzforfree,” where they have been hosting regular live-streams with fans.
The dispute between NewJeans and Ador has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of K-pop idols and the contracts they sign with their record labels. Many fans have come out in support of the group, using the hashtag #NewJeansFree to express their solidarity.
The case has also drawn attention to the often-lengthy and complex contracts that K-pop idols sign with their record labels. These contracts can last for many years and often include clauses that restrict the idols’ creative freedom and personal autonomy.
As the dispute between NewJeans and Ador continues to unfold, fans around the world will be watching with bated breath to see how the situation develops. Will the group be able to secure their independence and forge a new path forward, or will they be forced to return to Ador and fulfill the terms of their contract? Only time will tell.
