SEOUL, Sept 12 — Mediation talks between K-pop girl group NewJeans and its agency ADOR have broken down, leaving the courts to decide the future of the dispute next month.
According to The Korea Herald, the Seoul Central District Court held a second closed-door mediation session on Thursday in ADOR’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the group’s exclusive contract.
The session lasted just 20 minutes before ending without agreement.
Unlike the first attempt on August 14, when members Danielle and Minji were present, none of the five attended this time.
With both mediation efforts unsuccessful, the court is now expected to issue a ruling on October 30.
The decision will determine whether NewJeans must continue under ADOR or whether the group has grounds to end its contract with the label.
The conflict began last November, when NewJeans declared its contract void and accused ADOR of breaching obligations, moving to act independently.
ADOR responded with a lawsuit asserting the contract’s validity and secured an injunction preventing the members from working without its approval.
ADOR has argued in court that “the contract is valid and no reason for termination exists,” pointing to Hybe’s investment of about 21 billion won (RM63.6 million) in the group’s growth.
The agency also emphasised that an exclusive contract is built on trust, citing the opportunities and settlements it has provided.
NewJeans, however, maintains that the removal of former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin — the creative director behind their global success — and her replacement with HYBE executives fundamentally changed the agency they originally signed with.
The group has said nearly 18 months of legal battles have eroded trust, making a return to ADOR impossible.
