“Stop preying another group” — Fans divided as ADOR launches global auditions for NewJeans-style boy group amidst ongoing legal battle

On June 13, 2025, HYBE’s affiliate label, ADOR, rolled out applications for its upcoming 2025 ADOR Boys Global Tryouts, launching an international search for fresh male performers.

The update was shared through the company’s official website and online platforms, under the campaign tagline “All Doors Open Right here.” This marks ADOR’s first boy group project, following the popularity of NewJeans and their legal battle with the girl group.

The legal dispute involving K-pop act NewJeans and their managing agency ADOR remains ongoing. In November 2024, NewJeans announced their decision to walk away from the binding contract with the agency.

They cited mistreatment at work, lack of transparency, and poor leadership. In March 2025, the Seoul Central District Court issued a temporary legal order that barred the group from signing separate contracts or carrying out activities under a new identity without ADOR’s green light.

The timing of the boy group audition has stirred contrasting reactions among fans online. While some welcome the opportunity for new talent to emerge under the banner, others are more critical.

"Not yall exploiting the og creators of ador lol start rebranding and stop preying another group," an X user commented.

jndz

@jndeanz

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Not yall exploiting the og creators of ador lol start rebranding and stop preying another group

As the legal battle continues to cast a shadow over the label, all eyes are on how the independent label balances its push for new talent with the unresolved fallout surrounding NewJeans.

"ITS NOT WORTH IT! THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR OWN ARTISTS! PARENTS BE SO WARY OF THIS FRAUDULENT LABEL!!!!!," a fan remarked.

"A company that is in the middle of a labor lawsuit against its only artists after persecuting them and their family, does not respect creative and labor rights is really a good place to showcase your talent?," a user mentioned.

"Basically kids so they can be manipulated. I wonder if that's why these kpop company won't accept adults," a person shared.

In the meantime, many others showed enthusiasm at the news:

"Oh, this is fun! Love that they’re continuing with the boy group ✊🏼," a netizen said.

"New boygroup?? Ok its interesting... 🕺🕺🕺," a viewer noted.

"Great moving forward with a great team !!!," another fan added.

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More about 2025 ADOR BOYS GLOBAL AUDITION

The entry for the 2025 ADOR BOYS GLOBAL AUDITION is open to boys born in 2006 or later, without any limits on citizenship.

Submissions for the first screening phase started on June 12 at 6 pm KST and will continue until July 2 at 5 pm KST. Aspirants can register through the official audition portal. There are no boundaries regarding skill categories.

“We hope to see many talented individuals knock on the ‘door’ toward their dreams,” the agency noted (per Korea Herald).

The agency noted that the aim is to discover individuals with original and standout abilities across diverse fields. Contenders who pass the initial round will progress to live auditions held in diverse places.

These sessions are scheduled across nine cities in South Korea — Seoul, Jeonju, Daegu, Busan, Gwangju, Daejeon, Wonju, Chuncheon, and Jeju — as well as in 18 global cities.

International sites include Auckland, Bangkok, Brisbane, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Nagoya, New York, Osaka, Sapporo, Seattle, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver.

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Meanwhile, NewJeans recently denied plans to reunite with the agency during the second round of legal proceedings. The third legal session is scheduled for July 24.