On July 24, during the third hearing of the civil lawsuit regarding the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract, held at the Seoul Central District Court, ADOR— the label under HYBE responsible for managing NewJeans—presented its argument on why the group should return under their management.
Presiding Judge Jung Hoe Il oversaw the proceedings, which drew significant public attention given NewJeans’ massive popularity and the high stakes involved.
ADOR emphasized that returning to their label is in the best interests of NewJeans, referencing a recent ruling from the Seoul High Court.
That ruling granted ADOR an injunction that maintained its status as NewJeans’ official agency and prohibited the members from signing advertising contracts elsewhere.
ADOR argued that NewJeans members have failed to provide valid grounds to terminate their exclusive contract. Instead, it was proven that no legitimate grounds for termination exist.
The label highlighted several reasons why staying with ADOR would be beneficial for the group:
- Optimal Conditions for Activities: If the contract remains valid, NewJeans can continue their entertainment activities smoothly with the full backing and resources of ADOR and HYBE, ensuring they operate under the best possible conditions.
- Protection of Image and Reputation: ADOR argued that staying would allow NewJeans to avoid stigma associated with breaching contracts and being labeled as unreliable or “celebrities who break promises.”
- Avoidance of Financial Penalties: The group would be freed from potential penalty fees and damages that would arise if the contract was unilaterally terminated.
Moreover, ADOR revealed it is already preparing for NewJeans’ comeback, indicating the company’s commitment to the group’s future.
On the other hand, ADOR cautioned that terminating the contract would cause irreparable damage to both the group and the label itself.
They warned that the members would lose the full support and infrastructure provided by ADOR and HYBE, and face ongoing legal disputes over penalties and damages.
They also pointed out that employment for ADOR’s staff would be jeopardized, and the court itself acknowledged that ADOR’s survival is at risk if the contract ends.
In a broader perspective, ADOR stated that a unilateral contract termination by NewJeans could have devastating effects on the K-pop industry as a whole.
They claimed that without NewJeans, ADOR would struggle to train and debut future talent, threatening the sustainability of one of the industry’s leading agencies.
The label underscored NewJeans’ importance “for themselves, for ADOR, and for the entire K-pop industry,” positioning the group as a crucial pillar supporting the ecosystem.
This legal battle has drawn significant attention from fans and industry watchers alike, as it touches on artists’ rights, agency contracts, and the power dynamics within the K-pop industry.
The outcome will have far-reaching implications not only for NewJeans but also for how contracts and artist management are handled across the industry.
For now, both sides await further court proceedings and hope for a resolution that benefits the group and their fans.
