NewJeans has hired law firm Shin & Kim amid an escalating dispute with Hybe/Ador over their contract status. The K-pop group announced this move on their "jeanzforfree" Instagram account, which has already amassed 4.2 million followers.

The conflict began in 2024 when Hybe accused former Ador CEO Min Hee-Jin of attempting to sell company stakes and potentially relocate NewJeans to a new company. Min countered these claims, stating they were retaliation for her criticism of image similarities between NewJeans and Illit, another Hybe group.

Key developments in the dispute:

• August 2024: Min removed as Ador's CEO
• November 2024: Min formally resigned
• NewJeans demanded Min's reinstatement
• Group announced unilateral exit from Ador
• Ador filed injunction to prevent new agreements
• Contract reportedly valid until 2029

Currently, NewJeans continues operating independently, recently releasing a Calvin Klein advertisement without company approval. The group maintains they "have absolutely no intention of returning" to Hybe/Ador.

A potential complication has emerged regarding member Hanni's E-6 visa status. Born in Melbourne to Vietnamese parents, Hanni must either renew her visa through Ador or return to Australia to begin a new permit process, which could result in a three-month group hiatus. This process requires an exclusive contract with a K-pop agency, potentially complicated by the ongoing contract dispute with Ador.

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