So… it’s officially NewJeans again.

In the latest chapter of K-pop’s most talked-about power shuffle, the South Korean court has ruled in favor of ADOR — confirming that the label still holds an exclusive contract with NewJeans. Translation: NJZ might’ve been a vibe, but NewJeans is here to stay.

The Chosunilbo Jns/Imazins Via Getty Images

Let’s rewind. The storm began when Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s visionary founder (and former HYBE Chief Brand Officer), clashed with the entertainment giant over creative control. What started as an internal debate about direction spiraled into a very public tug-of-war over ownership, artistry, and identity. Somewhere between legal filings and fan petitions, the group — in a bid to reclaim their narrative — briefly rebranded as NJZ, signaling a bold new era.

“Before, we had that ‘girl next door’ vibe, but now we’re going for something sharper and bolder,” member Hanni told CNN back in 2024, hinting at a stylistic evolution rooted in streetwear and gender-neutral aesthetics. It felt like a quiet rebellion — a soft launch into a different kind of power.

But after months of legal drama, headlines, and online discourse, the Seoul Central District Court has spoken: the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans stands firm and will remain valid until 2029. In an official statement, ADOR thanked the court, emphasizing that “attempts to breach the exclusive contract by creating the appearance of a broken trust relationship should not be permitted.”

So, what now? The win restores ADOR’s grip on one of K-pop’s most influential acts — but it also reopens questions about control and creativity in an industry that thrives on reinvention. Whether the girls return to their roots or spin this saga into a stylish new era, one thing’s clear: NewJeans knows how to turn chaos into cultural currency.