分类： entertainment

In a significant legal ruling, a South Korean court has dismissed claims by the popular K-pop group NewJeans, who sought to terminate their contract with their management label, ADOR, citing allegations of mistreatment. The Seoul Central District Court upheld the validity of the contract, marking the second legal victory for ADOR in this ongoing dispute. The court rejected the group’s argument that mistreatment had irreparably damaged their trust in the agency, stating that the level of trust was not sufficiently compromised to justify contract termination. NewJeans, a five-member girl group under HYBE—the parent company of ADOR and the powerhouse behind global sensation BTS—had announced their intention to leave ADOR in November, sparking a highly publicized legal battle. ADOR had previously filed for an injunction to prevent the group from engaging in independent commercial activities, which the court granted in March. The dispute intensified following allegations that HYBE forced out ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee-jin, a key figure in NewJeans’ success. The group demanded her reinstatement, but HYBE refused, leading to public accusations of career sabotage and workplace harassment. The court clarified that the contract did not mandate Min’s leadership of ADOR. ADOR welcomed the ruling and expressed hope for reconciliation, announcing plans for a new album release.

In a significant legal development, K-pop sensation NewJeans has been unsuccessful in its bid to terminate its contract with record label Ador. A South Korean court ruled on Tuesday that the group’s agreement with the agency, which extends until 2029, remains legally binding. The five-member group, consisting of Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji, had announced their unilateral departure from Ador last year, alleging mistreatment and manipulation by the label. Despite their claims, the court upheld the contract’s validity, prompting the group to plan an appeal, as reported by local media. This case has sent shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry, marking a dramatic escalation in the year-long dispute between the chart-topping act and its agency. Earlier this year, the group rebranded as NJZ, released a new single, and performed in Hong Kong before their independent activities were halted by a court injunction. The ruling underscores the complexities of artist-label relationships in the highly competitive K-pop industry.

The 2025 ELLE Style Awards, often dubbed the ‘Oscars of the fashion world,’ marked its inaugural event in Sanya, Hainan province, on Tuesday, solidifying the tropical city’s status as a burgeoning global fashion capital. The prestigious ceremony coincided with the 80th anniversary of ELLE Magazine, blending Sanya’s natural beauty with Eastern aesthetics to create a unique cultural experience. Over 100 international celebrities, models, and creative pioneers graced the red carpet, which meandered through lush coconut groves, merging haute couture with the serene ocean backdrop. Daisy Wang, CEO of Hearst Greater China, highlighted the event’s ‘Infinity ∞’ theme, symbolizing both the cyclical renewal of classic values and the infinite potential of breaking boundaries. Wang emphasized ELLE’s evolution from a print magazine to a multimedia platform, championing women’s empowerment and creativity in the AI era. Reflecting on ELLE’s journey in China, Wang noted its transformation from a ‘window to the world’ to a chronicler of Chinese stories and, ultimately, a community fostering dialogue on women’s issues. Sun Zhe, ELLE Omnimedia editor-in-chief, underscored fashion’s role as a cultural force and a testament to Chinese women’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.

In a groundbreaking moment for the global music industry, RM, the leader of the internationally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, became the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. The event, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the cultural influence of K-pop. RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, addressed the summit as a creator and artist, emphasizing the power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. He recounted BTS’s journey from their humble beginnings in South Korea to becoming a global phenomenon, despite initial skepticism about their non-English music. RM also highlighted the role of their dedicated fanbase, known as the ARMY, in their success. He urged world leaders at APEC to support creators globally by providing financial backing and opportunities to nurture their talents. This year’s APEC forum, hosted by South Korea, saw the participation of prominent leaders, including South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. RM’s speech underscored the growing recognition of the cultural industry as a key agenda in global economic discussions.

Ibrahim Ali Khan, the rising star of Bollywood, has opened up about the inevitable comparisons to his father, veteran actor Saif Ali Khan, and his journey to establish his own identity in the film industry. Despite being just a few films into his career, Ibrahim has already faced the weight of expectations, given his lineage as the son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, and the grandson of legendary actress Sharmila Tagore. In a candid interview, Ibrahim revealed that he views these comparisons as a compliment rather than a burden. ‘For years, I’ve been told I look just like my father. When you’re constantly fed something like that, it becomes a standard for you. You want to be more and more like him,’ he shared. Ibrahim expressed deep admiration for his father’s resilience, noting how Saif overcame early skepticism to become one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. ‘There were a lot of people who doubted him in the beginning. He took quite a few films to find his feet,’ he added. Ibrahim made his acting debut earlier this year with *Nadaaniyan*, a Netflix release that, despite its star-studded cast, received lukewarm reviews. His second film, *Sarzameen*, also failed to make a significant impact. Undeterred, Ibrahim is now gearing up for *Diler*, a sports drama directed by Kunal Deshmukh, which is slated for release in 2026. The film, co-starring Sreeleela, tells the story of a marathon runner and marks Ibrahim’s next step in his quest to prove his mettle in Bollywood.