Court Bars NewJeans from Independent Activities Without ADOR: 1 Billion KRW Penalty Per Violation
On May 30, the 52nd Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court partially accepted ADOR’s request for an injunction, ruling that NewJeans cannot conduct entertainment activities independently or through third parties without the agency’s prior consent.
“The debtor, NewJeans, shall not engage in independent entertainment activities or through third parties without the prior approval or consent of the creditor, ADOR, until the first-instance judgment in the lawsuit confirming the validity of the exclusive contract is announced,” the court stated.
The court also imposed a compulsory fine of ₩1 billion KRW (approx. $726,000 USD) per violation, emphasizing the seriousness of the restriction. Furthermore, the cost of the injunction application was charged to NewJeans.
This decision builds upon the court’s March 21 ruling, which had fully granted ADOR’s initial injunction application to block the group from entering advertising contracts or pursuing independent engagements. When NewJeans contested the ruling on April 21, the court upheld the decision, reaffirming its position.
With this outcome, ADOR has effectively secured a legal advantage in the battle over the validity of the exclusive contract, at least until a final judgment is issued. While the injunction doesn’t settle the contract dispute outright, it prevents NewJeans from undertaking any unauthorized activities in the interim.
Despite the court’s repeated rulings in favor of ADOR, the group continues to argue for contract termination, citing “breach of trust.” As both parties remain at odds, the situation is expected to escalate further in the main lawsuit, the second hearing of which is scheduled for June 5.
