NewJeans Faces 5 Billion KRW Fine: Was Their Hong Kong ComplexCon Performance a Costly Mistake?
On May 30, the Seoul Central District Court’s 52nd Civil Division approved ADOR’s indirect enforcement application, ruling that the girl group’s independent activities violated a previously granted injunction.
The court stated that NewJeans performed under a new group name (“NJZ”) and even released a song, both before and after the injunction order issued in March 2025. Citing the “likelihood of continued violations,” the court introduced a mandatory clause: a ₩1 billion KRW (approx. $726,000 USD) fine per member, per violation. If all five members act together outside ADOR’s oversight, the total fine could amount to ₩5 billion KRW.
This development stems from the group’s unilateral contract termination announcement last November, during which they signaled intentions to operate independently. ADOR responded with legal action, securing a March injunction barring the group from signing external ad deals or promoting independently.
While NewJeans appealed, they still proceeded with the ComplexCon appearance in late March, leading to the latest enforcement ruling.
Online reactions were swift and unforgiving. Popular Korean forums were filled with comments like:
- “Did they not see this coming?”
- “They brought this upon themselves.”
- “No one said they can’t perform, just do it through the agency.”
- “Guess they can charge ₩2 billion KRW per event to cover fines.”
Critics questioned the group’s legal strategy and financial foresight, with some speculating that settlement money may now be diverted to legal fees.
Despite the harsh judgment, NewJeans’ side remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “This indirect enforcement decision is temporary until the injunction appeal is resolved. If the appeal succeeds, both the injunction and the fine lose effect.”
The group also maintains that ADOR, under new management, is no longer the same entity they originally signed with. ADOR, in turn, rebuffed the narrative that NewJeans’ success depends solely on former CEO Min Hee-jin, and emphasized that the group must still respect its contractual obligations.
With the second hearing of the main contract lawsuit scheduled for June 5, this case continues to be one of the most contentious and closely watched legal battles in K-pop today.