Court Ruling Favors ADOR in Major NewJeans Contract Dispute

The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR in the ongoing contract dispute with NewJeans. The court confirmed the validity of their exclusive agreements and dismissed claims of trust violations. This decision reshaped industry discussions about power balance, management ethics, and creative independence in K-pop.

Legal Victory for ADOR Marks Turning Point in the NewJeans Contract Dispute

The Seoul Central District Court has ruled in favor of ADOR in its highly publicized contract dispute with girl group NewJeans. The court confirmed that the exclusive contracts signed on April 21, 2022, remain fully valid and enforceable. Judges accepted all of ADOR’s claims and ordered NewJeans to pay the litigation costs. None of the five members attended the ruling, leaving fans and industry insiders curious about their next steps. The verdict delivered a decisive legal win for ADOR and reshaped the dynamics of one of K-pop’s most scrutinized disputes in recent years.

Trust Issues and Leadership in the NewJeans Contract Dispute

The court rejected NewJeans’ argument that ADOR had violated its duties and damaged mutual trust between the parties. It stated that the dismissal of former CEO Min Heejin did not automatically create a management vacuum or prove ADOR incapable of leading the group. The ruling emphasized that the exclusive contract never guaranteed Min’s continued position as CEO, regardless of the members’ personal loyalty to her. After Min’s removal, ADOR asked her to remain as a producer and internal director for NewJeans, but she declined and resigned voluntarily. Judges viewed this as evidence that ADOR attempted to preserve creative consistency despite internal disputes and emotional tension.

Court Examines Min Hee-jin’s Actions Beyond the NewJeans Contract Dispute

In its reasoning, the court cited KakaoTalk messages revealing that Min had planned to separate ADOR from HYBE and pursue independence. She reportedly prepared media strategies and legal steps designed to shape negative public sentiment toward HYBE while staying behind the scenes. Evidence also showed that she sought potential investors who could acquire ADOR to secure full creative control. The judges concluded that these actions could not be viewed as legitimate efforts to protect NewJeans from contractual violations. They further determined that HYBE’s internal audit of Min was not retaliatory but a justified response within corporate oversight.

Claims of Copying and Neglect Dismissed

The court also dismissed NewJeans’ claim that HYBE’s other girl group, ILLIT, copied their artistic concept. It acknowledged minor similarities in visual tone and marketing imagery but ruled that such overlap did not constitute replication or copyright infringement. The court noted that an idol group’s concept cannot be protected under intellectual property or publicity rights. It also found insufficient evidence to support the claim that ADOR neglected member Hanni’s well-being after an alleged slight from ILLIT’s manager. CCTV footage revealed ILLIT members greeting Hanni politely, contradicting accusations of disrespect. The decision effectively cleared ADOR of any breach in its duty of care.

Understanding the Structure Behind K-pop Idol Contracts

The court explained that pre-debut management contracts often involve substantial investments with uncertain outcomes, relying on the company’s strategic direction. Such arrangements, the court noted, are designed to recoup costs only if the group achieves commercial success. Given ADOR’s extensive financial and promotional support for NewJeans, the court found the members’ later attempts to influence business and creative decisions unreasonable. It ruled that such demands could not be considered violations of their personal rights or artistic freedom. This reasoning highlighted the fine line between corporate management authority and personal agency within the idol industry’s unique structure.

Appeal, Fan Division, and Future Outlook

Following the ruling, NewJeans’ legal representatives immediately announced plans to appeal, saying the members respected the decision but could not return to ADOR due to broken trust. Meanwhile, public opinion shifted sharply online. On the Korean community platform theqoo, users mocked the lawsuit as hopeless and claimed that only the law firm representing NewJeans truly benefited. Some fans argued that returning to ADOR might be the most realistic way forward, while others predicted that the group’s damaged image would make a comeback difficult. Analysts warned that if the case continues to the Supreme Court, it could last two or three years. Many now believe NewJeans should seek a practical resolution outside prolonged litigation to preserve both time and reputation.

NewJeans Contract Dispute Intensifies After Court Rejects Appeal

NewJeans became involved in a contract dispute after initiating independent activities without ADOR’s approval. The court consistently sided with ADOR, and further legal action now seems unlikely to succeed.

Here’s a link to theqoo.

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