Seoul, Oct. 30 -- Global K-pop sensation NewJeans has suffered a significant blow in its ongoing legal tussle with record label Ador, after the Seoul Central District upheld the validity of the group's exclusive contract, which runs until 2029.
The five-member act, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle and Minji, had announced last year that they were leaving Ador, citing mistreatment and loss of trust after the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee jin, who was instrumental in shaping their early career.
NewJeans said it is "impossible to return to Ador" and continue their activities as normal, the reports said.
In a statement released after the ruling, Ador said it sincerely hopes that the judgment "will serve as an opportunity for the artists...