NJZ (NewJeans), the flagship group of ADOR and one of the most successful 4th-generation K-pop groups, has been embroiled in controversy since a leadership dispute between ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee-jin and its parent company, HYBE, came to light. Below is a detailed timeline of events leading to the current crisis, including key developments and public responses from all parties involved.
(This is a developing story, and as such it will be updated as news breaks.)
A Detailed Timeline of How the NJZ (NewJeans)/ADOR Dispute Unfolded
NewJeans
April 22, 2024: Initial Conflicts Surface
On April 22, it was reported that HYBE began an audit into their sub-company ADOR, reportedly determine if there were efforts by CEO Min Hee-jin to break away from HYBE. HYBE said this was well within their rights, while Min countered saying that this was “absurd” and that it was due to allegations by her that ILLIT was mimicking NewJeans.
This led to leaked internal messages and publicized press conferences by both sides, signaling a breakdown in communication.
May 10, 2024: ADOR Accuses HYBE of Targeting ADOR’s Style Team Director; HYBE Alleges Embezzlement
ADOR accused HYBE of targeting style team director of embezzlement, and suggested the audit was overreaching with after-hours searches. HYBE countered suggesting timeliness was due to style director’s late arrival to work, and that they took profits outside of typical contractor relationship from third party companies.
May 14, 2024: HYBE Alleges Insider Training by ADOR Executives
On May 14th it was reported that HYBE sent a request to Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to look into the possibilioty that Ador was involved in insider trading. According to reporting by The Korea Times, HYBE says that ADOR’s executives dumped stocks upon learning of the forthcoming audit. Min counters saying they were blindsided by the AUDIT.
August 27, 2024: Min Hee-jin Replaced
After internal restructuring at ADOR, Min Hee-jin is replaced as CEO by Kim Ju-young, HYBE’s former HR chief. Although HYBE claimed Min would continue overseeing NewJeans’ development, she contested this decision, citing unilateral terms imposed without negotiation.
Min later filed an injunction to prevent her removal, which she successfully won. However, HYBE continued to pursue alternatives, offering her a position on the board of directors instead of reinstating her as CEO.
September 11, 2024: Members Speak Out
Members of NewJeans captured from live video
NewJeans members take to a live video stream, directly appealing to HYBE to reinstate Min Hee-jin. They express support for their former CEO, with Danielle and Hanni alternating between Korean and English to address international fans. The video is quickly removed but widely shared by fan accounts.
Around the same time, Shin Wooseok, a member of the creative team behind NewJeans’ debut music videos, publicly criticizes HYBE for its treatment of Min. In a YouTube video, he accuses the company of harassment and describes a loss of trust due to dismissive behavior from the new leadership.
September 13, 2024: Legal Action by Min Hee-jin
Min Hee-jin files an injunction to secure her reappointment to ADOR’s board of directors. She later reveals that HYBE offered her a financial settlement to step down entirely, which she declined, stating her motivations were never about money but about ensuring the stability of NewJeans’ activities.
September 24, 2024: Emergency Meeting
An emergency meeting is held involving NewJeans members, their parents, and ADOR’s leadership. The meeting is called in response to growing fan outrage and public attention on the controversy.
September 25, 2024: Min Hee-jin and ADOR Statements
Min Hee-jin of ADOR
Min Hee-jin issues a formal statement accusing HYBE and ADOR of engaging in media manipulation to tarnish her reputation and undermine NewJeans’ achievements. She highlights “poisonous clauses” in proposed contracts that would jeopardize her ability to protect the group.
ADOR responds by reiterating that Min’s return as CEO is not viable. They offer her a producing role for NewJeans’ remaining contract term, emphasizing that their decision is final.
October 2024: Creative and Legal Challenges Continue
NewJeans’ production is halted amid the ongoing turmoil. Reports from Korean media reveal internal discussions suggesting HYBE instructed ADOR to downplay the group’s achievements. HYBE denies these claims, questioning the journalist’s ethics for leaking such information.
November 13, 2024: Certified Letter of Demands
NewJeans members submit a formal letter to ADOR, outlining their demands for Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement and improved transparency in management decisions.
November 27, 2024: ADOR Rejects Demands
As the deadline for addressing NewJeans’ demands passes, ADOR issues a public statement criticizing other HYBE subsidiaries for alleged mishandling of artist relations. They express “regret” over the group’s dissatisfaction but stand by their decision to exclude Min Hee-jin from the CEO role.
November 28, 2024: Contract Termination Announcement
NewJeans Emergency Press Conference Nov. 28th
In a dramatic press conference, NewJeans announces their intent to terminate their contract with ADOR, citing breaches of trust and unmet demands. Minji, speaking on behalf of the group, criticizes ADOR’s “tepid responses” and emphasizes the members’ unanimous decision to sever ties.
December 14th, 2025: NewJeans members create new IG account @jeanzforfree
After departing from ADOR and discontinuing the use of Hybe services like Phoning, which was previously used to engage with fans, the members launched their independent social media account, @jeanzforfree on Instagram. Through this platform, they have shared photos from photoshoots and travels, as well as hosted live chats to connect directly with their fans.
January 13th, 2025: ADOR Files Injunction Against NewJeans to Halt Third-Party Contracts
On January 13th, ADOR filed an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court to prevent NewJeans, who they claim remains under contract with the agency, from entering into third-party agreements without ADOR’s involvement. This includes advertising deals with various brands. (Read more.)
January 22nd, 2025: NewJeans Members Confirm Intent to Never Return to ADOR
NewJeans took to their Instagram account, jeanzforfree, to further confirm their departure from ADOR, following their earlier decision to void their contract due to unresolved grievances. This dispute first became public with the controversy between former CEO Min Hee-jin and ADOR/HYBE.
The group shared in their Instagram story that they’ve hired Kim & Chang Law Firm, who also represent Min Hee-jin in her legal battles. They expressed a lack of trust towards HYBE and ADOR, accusing the label of trying to divide the group by secretly meeting with their parents. (Read more.)
January 22nd, 2025: NewJeans Asks for New Name Suggestions on @jeanzforfree
NewJeans members on their @jeanzforfree Instagram account released a post asking for suggestions for a new group name, encouraging fans to join the fun of choosing a name.
Danielle, one of the members of NewJeans, then engaged with various name suggestions from commenters on the post.
View this post on Instagram
Following this ADOR released a statement to StarNews Korea, where they said, “ADOR’s position is that the exclusive contract is valid and we are faithfully cooperating with the court proceedings,” and “We regret that the members are attempting independent entertainment activities, such as soliciting new stage names, before receiving a legal judgment, as this could be a serious breach of contract.”
January 30th, 2025: Citing Misinformation, Parents of NewJeans Members Create Instagram Account to Share Official Position
At midnight Korea time on January 31, the parents of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—members of the K-Pop girl group NewJeans—created a new Instagram account, @jeanz_pr, to release a statement regarding ADOR’s ongoing lawsuit against the group.
In the statement (translated in full below), the parents explain that they created the account to ensure their and the members’ positions are communicated clearly, as they believe media coverage has been incomplete or unfair.
“Since there has been no official channel to communicate our position, we have repeatedly tried to share the facts through direct interviews with various media outlets or by reaching out to journalists we were able to connect with.”
They specifically cite what they describe as misinformation spread by HYBE and ADOR as the reason for the account’s creation. Additionally, they apologize for the prolonged nature of the dispute, emphasizing that the account will serve as a platform to share the members’ official stance on matters they cannot always address directly.
February 6th, 2025: NewJeans Rebrands as NJZ; Announces First Concert Under New Name
Shortly after 9 p.m. EST, the Instagram account @jeanzforfree changed its name to @njz_official and posted a series of photos from ComplexCon.
On NJZ’s first Instagram live under their new moniker, the members announced in addition to their performance at ComplexCon, on March 23rd, the group would also release their first new song under the name.
February 12th, 2025: Parents of NJZ (Formerly NewJeans) Members Clarify Hanni’s Visa Status Amid Dispute
On February 12, the parents of NJZ members (formerly known as NewJeans) released a statement via their Instagram account, @njz_pr, to clarify Hanni’s visa status following growing speculation in Korean media and online discussions.
According to the statement, Hanni was issued a new visa on February 11 “through due process.” Reports indicate that her previous visa had expired the month prior, and with the group’s recent contract termination with ADOR, questions arose regarding her legal status in South Korea. As a foreign national holding both Vietnamese and Australian citizenship, Hanni requires a valid visa to work in the country.
