NewJeans’ process of selecting ‘Sejong’ for legal battle “The lawyers were there”
On January 23, NewJeans announced through their Instagram account jeanzforfree “ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of our exclusive contract. The five of us have no intention of returning to HYBE and ADOR”, signaling an impending legal battle.
The group explained their choice of Sejong as their legal counsel, “They are already well aware of the issues involving HYBE and ADOR.” Notably, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin is also continuing her legal fight through Sejong.
NewJeans, Min Hee-jin and Sejong have reportedly been in communication for a long time, jointly addressing key issues related to HYBE and ADOR. For example, they discussed matters such as Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement as CEO and Hanni’s appearance at a National Assembly inspection.
Dispatch witnessed meetings on September 24 and October 8. On September 24, just one day before the deadline for requesting Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement, the members’ mothers met with Sejong lawyers at Min Hee-jin’s office in Yeonhui-dong.
(On September 11, during a livestream, NewJeans demanded Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement within 14 days. September 24 was D-1 of that deadline.)
On October 8, Hanni met with Sejong lawyers to discuss her appearance at the National Assembly inspection. After over four hours of discussions involving Hanni, Min Hee-jin and the lawyers, Hanni announced the following day, “I will appear at the National Assembly inspection alone, for the sake of the members.”
In the entertainment industry, it is widely viewed that “NewJeans and Min Hee-jin are essentially inseparable”. NewJeans has often acted as Min Hee-jin’s voice, even going so far as to demand her reinstatement.
The decision to appoint Sejong can also be seen as an extension of this relationship. Since September, NewJeans, Min Hee-jin, the members’ mothers and Sejong have been collaborating closely. On January 23, they officially began their legal battle to break free.
An entertainment industry insider told Dispatch, “Ultimately, this is about how ‘NewJeans cannot work without Min Hee-jin’. If Min Hee-jin secures an investor, NewJeans is likely to follow her.”
However, this raises concerns about tampering allegations. Pre-arranged plans to separate an artist from their company could fall under this category, as the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR was still in effect during these discussions last September.
A legal expert noted, “Key turning points in this case involve meetings between Min Hee-jin, NewJeans, the parents and lawyers. This is why the processes of the livestream, the National Assembly inspection, resignation and contract termination announcement do not seem entirely innocent.”
NewJeans has attributed the conflict to HYBE and ADOR, claiming, “Throughout our activities, there were constant large and small interferences. Threats to suspend our careers were disguised as ‘extended vacation’.”
The group added, “Even after announcing the termination of our exclusive contract, we tried to complete the remaining schedules and contracts as much as possible. However, seeing ADOR and HYBE causing harm through improper means, we decided not to stay silent any longer.”
Meanwhile, ADOR maintains that their exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid and filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to confirm its validity.
ADOR stated, “The members are attempting independent entertainment activities, including soliciting a new stage name, even before receiving a legal judgment. We find this regrettable as it constitutes a potential breach of contract.”