After declaring their independence and leaving their agency ADOR in November last year, the members of NewJeans have stated that they will not return to ADOR, even after losing the first trial over the validity of their exclusive contracts.
On the morning of the 30th, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 41 (Chief Judge Jeong Hoe-il) ruled in favor of ADOR in the lawsuit it filed against the five members of NewJeans to confirm the validity of their exclusive contracts. The court stated, “It is difficult to see that ADOR violated the exclusive contracts merely because Min Hee-jin was dismissed,” adding, “Min Hee-jin waged a public campaign to make NewJeans independent, not to protect them.”
Although the injunction ruling and now the first main trial both recognized the validity of the contracts between NewJeans and ADOR, the group immediately announced plans to appeal the decision on the day of the verdict through their law firm.
Law firm Sejong, representing NewJeans, said in a press release, “The members respect the court’s decision; however, given that the relationship of trust with ADOR has been completely broken, it is impossible for them to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities.” The statement added, “We sincerely thank the fans who have waited and supported us for such a long time.”
The dispute began last November, when NewJeans notified ADOR that it was terminating its agreements, alleging ADOR had failed to meet contractual obligations and citing a breakdown in trust, particularly after Min Hee-jin’s ouster and subsequent management changes. ADOR countered that the contracts remained valid and filed suit in December to confirm their enforceability.
Before the main ruling, the court granted ADOR’s injunction request, barring NewJeans from pursuing independent activities. The order included a coercive fine of 1 billion won per member for each unauthorized engagement done without ADOR’s consent.
The court encouraged both sides to settle in August and September, but talks stalled. With today’s decision, the long-running standoff enters a new phase, and all eyes are on how the appeal could shape NewJeans’ next moves ― and ADOR’s, too.
Photo: Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)