K-pop group NewJeans faces legal action from their record label Ador over alleged unauthorized independent deals. The dispute stems from the group's November 2024 claims of contract invalidity due to alleged bullying and harassment at the company.

Ador has filed a legal injunction to prevent potential harm to third parties and advertisers. The label argues that allowing unilateral contract terminations could destabilize the K-pop industry and discourage future investment.

The conflict intensified after Hybe, Ador's parent company, reportedly removed former CEO Min Hee-Jin, who served as NewJeans' mentor. The group demanded Min's reinstatement and later accused Hybe of deliberately undermining their careers in retaliation.

NewJeans, who ranked as the eighth biggest-selling act worldwide in 2023 and received an MTV VMAs nomination in 2024, announced their departure from the company during a November 2024 press conference. They have since created a new Instagram account "jeanzforfree" to maintain fan connection.

While the group maintains their right to independence, Ador contends their contract remains valid until 2027. The legal battle could potentially leave NewJeans unable to record or promote new music for several years unless they continue working with Ador under their existing contract.

The case exemplifies the complex relationship between K-pop artists and their management companies, highlighting the challenges artists face when attempting to gain independence from their contracts.

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