Each side was given 40 minutes, with NewJeans using 36 minutes for their argument and their final 4 minutes making an emotional plea. ADOR spent 10 minutes presenting its case and 30 minutes rebutting NewJeans’ claims.
NewJeans presented a 93-slide PowerPoint detailing over 13 reasons for their loss of trust in ADOR. In response, ADOR prepared 229 slides refuting each claim.
The hearing was held at the Seoul Central District Court on March 7, regarding ADOR’s request to prevent NewJeans from signing independent contracts and engaging in independent activities.
Key points from the court hearing:
“Ignore Hanni” incident
NewJeans: A Belift Lab manager allegedly told ILLIT members to “ignore” Hanni, and some ILLIT members mocked her.
ADOR: Hanni revealed to Min Hee-jin that they all greeted her, and the claim is exaggerated.
New-I-LE
NewJeans: HYBE planned to “drop” NewJeans from its key girl group lineup “New-I-LE” (NewJeans, ILLIT, LE SSERAFIM).
ADOR: The document referred to IVE, not ILLIT, and was misinterpreted.
1.02 million copies
NewJeans: HYBE PR personnel allegedly downplayed their success in Japan.
ADOR: The correction was to avoid misleading financial statements.
Copycat claims against ILLIT
NewJeans: ILLIT copied NewJeans’ branding and concept.
ADOR: Industry similarities are common and not intentional plagiarism.
Trainee video
NewJeans: HYBE leaked pre-debut training footage to the media.
ADOR: Steps were taken to remove unauthorized content.
Dolphiners Films
NewJeans: HYBE cut ties with the creative team behind their iconic MVs.
ADOR: The production team violated contract terms.
Advertising contract disputes
ADOR: NewJeans stated that they would fulfill their scheduled commitments and proceed with advertisements as planned. However, in reality, after announcing their contract termination, they refused to sign off on already filmed and upcoming advertisements. They also reportedly contacted luxury brand advertisers to propose signing contracts directly with the members while excluding ADOR.
NewJeans: No rebuttal during the hearing.
Tampering allegations
ADOR: Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin orchestrated NewJeans’ contract dispute.
NewJeans: No rebuttal during the hearing.
Future activities
NewJeans: ADOR failed to secure production for their future projects.
ADOR: A 2025 activity plan was in place.
The hearing ended without a clear resolution, leaving the decision to the court.
