Hybe Co won a crucial court ruling affirming its management contract with K-pop group NewJeans, helping the South Korean company maintain control over one of its most valuable acts.

The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday ruled that Hybe’s label ADOR retains exclusive rights to manage the five-member girl group, rejecting NewJeans’ attempt to terminate the agreement and pursue independent activities.

The verdict cements Hybe’s position as the sole agency for NewJeans, ending nearly a year of disputes that roiled the country’s entertainment industry and captivated global fans. The girl group, which tried to rebrand its band identity, would not be able to pursue its own acts until 2029 unless they win in an appeal.

Shares in Hybe, which also manages BTS, rose more than 7 percent after the ruling.

ALSO READ: K-pop idols halt, quit careers over health concerns while agencies post record revenues

The court rejected most of NewJeans’ claims that trust with ADOR had been broken, siding instead with the label. It said removing producer Min Hee-jin as ADOR’s Chief Executive Officer didn’t create a management vacuum for the group, according to Yonhap News.

A NewJeans’ attorney said in a statement that the band plans to immediately appeal the ruling, asking the appellate court to comprehensively review the facts and legal grounds surrounding the contract dispute.

While the members respect the court’s decision, the statement noted that it is impossible to resume normal activities under ADOR due to a complete breakdown of trust, and expressed deep gratitude to fans for their patience and continued support.

Hybe was not immediately available for comments.