NewJeans and ADOR’s Contract Lawsuit Begins in April “Independent Path to Be Decided”
According to industry sources on February 6, the Civil Agreement Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court has scheduled the first hearing for the exclusive contract validity confirmation lawsuit filed by ADOR against NewJeans members on April 3.
Previously, NewJeans members announced the termination of their exclusive contract on November 29 last year, citing ADOR’s failure to fulfill its obligations. Despite this, the members continued their activities independently after completing their scheduled appearance at the 39th Golden Disc Awards through ADOR last month. In fact, they have been carrying out their schedules under their individual names instead of using the group name “NewJeans”.
On January 13, ADOR revealed that it had recently filed an “Injunction for Preservation of Management Rights and Prohibition of Advertising Contracts” against NewJeans members with the Seoul Central District Court.
The injunction seeks to ensure that ADOR retains its position as the management agency under its exclusive contract with NewJeans until the first-instance ruling on the “Confirmation of Validity of Exclusive Contract” lawsuit filed on December 3, 2024 with the same court. The measure aims to prevent NewJeans members from engaging in independent advertising contracts or activities without ADOR’s approval or consent.
ADOR explained, “The NewJeans members, who unilaterally declared the termination of their exclusive contract, have been attempting to independently approach advertisers and sign contracts. This decision was made to prevent confusion and harm to third parties, such as advertisers.”
They continued, “This injunction reflects ADOR’s intention to continue working with NewJeans. It also considers the judgment that even if a final ruling confirms the validity of the exclusive contract years later, it may be impossible to restore the situation to its original state by then.”
ADOR emphasized, “In line with our stance that the exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid, we have consistently provided all necessary personnel and resources to support NewJeans’ entertainment activities and plan to continue doing so.” They added, “ADOR has been receiving proposals for various projects, including advertisements and events, and internally, we have already finalized activity plans for this year, such as the release of a full-length album and fan meetings. We have expressed our desire to engage in thorough communication with NewJeans members regarding these plans.”
However, NewJeans members made it clear that they do not intend to return to ADOR and appointed the law firm Shin & Kim (also known as Sejong) as their legal representative. Notably, Shin & Kim is the same firm representing former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
The members stated, “Through legal procedures, we aim to expose the wrongdoings of ADOR and HYBE and reveal the truth. We will fight confidently in court.”