According to legal sources, NewJeans did not submit a re-appeal by June 24 regarding the appellate court’s ruling, which upheld the injunction prohibiting them from securing their agency status or entering into advertising contracts.
On June 17, the Seoul High Court dismissed the group’s appeal, stating that the original injunction appeared justified based on the evidence. NewJeans had one week from notification to contest the ruling by escalating it to the Supreme Court but opted not to, thereby finalizing the injunction.
As a result, NewJeans is now legally barred from engaging in entertainment activities without ADOR’s prior consent. Additionally, a prior court ruling on May 30 granted ADOR’s request for indirect enforcement—each member faces a 1 billion KRW fine per violation of the injunction.
The conflict began in November 2024 when NewJeans sought to terminate their contract with ADOR, citing breach of duty. ADOR sued to uphold the contract and won an injunction, with courts repeatedly ruling in its favor. Despite expectations of another appeal, NewJeans’ decision to stop suggests they are now focusing solely on the main lawsuit, having firmly ruled out reconciliation.
Recent activity also shows tension remains. For example, although ADOR staff accompanied member Danielle to an Omega event in Kyoto, sources described the dynamic as “uneasy coexistence,” not reconciliation.
The main lawsuit, which challenges the validity of the exclusive contract, is ongoing. Two hearings have already taken place with both sides presenting similar arguments to those raised during the injunction proceedings. Given this overlap, legal observers note the outcome may once again favor ADOR unless NewJeans can present new, compelling evidence.
While it’s unclear if they possess such evidence, NewJeans’ legal team has submitted 15 clarification requests to the court—three of which were accepted. These include inquiries into former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin’s authority, the impact of her dismissal on NewJeans’ future, and whether HYBE’s board took sufficient action regarding claims of NewJeans’ concept being imitated.
Online, public opinion remains fiercely divided. Some critical voices remarked, “They paid for your meal in advance, but that clueless brat doesn’t even know how to be thankful?” Others accused the members of arrogance, saying, “Just like Yoon, they’ve only learned not to admit faults,” and “These kids were just used and discarded by Min Hee-jin.” Some even called for disbandment, commenting, “Just split up already. There’s no going back.”
With their Japan debut album Supernatural released on June 21, 2024, NewJeans remains inactive domestically for over a year. Now that the injunction is final, attention turns to whether and when the group can resume full activities—and under what circumstances.