NewJeans Contract Dispute Intensifies After Court Rejects Appeal

NewJeans entered a contract dispute after claiming their agreement with ADOR was no longer valid. The court rejected their objections and appeals, maintaining that the exclusive contract remains legally binding. Public discussion has intensified, with many hoping for reconciliation as the main lawsuit continues.

NewJeans Faces Ongoing Contract Dispute in Appeal

On June 17, the Seoul High Court dismissed the appeal filed by the five members of NewJeans. They had contested a previous injunction that barred them from signing advertisements and other contracts independently. This decision reaffirmed the initial ruling, maintaining that the members must not pursue solo activities without ADOR’s prior approval. The court upheld the lower court’s stance, confirming that NewJeans remains bound by their existing contractual obligations.

NewJeans Contract Dispute Emerged After November Termination Claim

In November last year, NewJeans declared that their exclusive contract with ADOR was no longer valid due to alleged breaches. Based on this claim, the members began conducting their activities independently. ADOR responded in January by requesting a court injunction to stop these actions, particularly independent endorsement deals. The court sided with ADOR, determining that there was insufficient evidence to prove a clear breakdown in mutual trust or justification for terminating the agreement.

High Court Confirms Lower Court Decision on NewJeans Contract Dispute

The Seoul Central District Court had initially granted ADOR’s request, stating that the legal basis for terminating the contract had not been convincingly established. NewJeans filed an objection to that decision, which was rejected in April. They then took the matter to the Seoul High Court, but the judges again dismissed their appeal. The legal system allows for such objections and appeals in stages, but in this case, NewJeans failed to reverse any previous decisions at either level.

Legal Procedures Surrounding NewJeans Contract Dispute Explained

Injunctions can be appealed immediately by the party that loses the initial ruling. If an objection is dismissed, a secondary appeal may follow. In this case, ADOR had obtained the injunction first. NewJeans then filed an objection, which was denied. They proceeded with an appeal to the high court, which resulted in another rejection. Their legal efforts to overturn the injunction have now been exhausted, at least in the preliminary stages.

Court Orders Financial Penalties for Unauthorized NewJeans Activities

Separately, the court recently approved an indirect enforcement request filed by ADOR. This means that if NewJeans engages in any unauthorized solo activity, each member must pay ₩1 billion per violation. This measure aims to ensure compliance with the court’s previous injunction. Meanwhile, the main civil trial to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract remains ongoing at the district court level.

Judges Clarify Their Reasoning in Detailed Court Documents

Many Korean netizens on MLBPARK noted the unusual tone of the court’s ruling. The explanation used plain language, almost as if addressing minors, likely due to the members’ age. The court document stated that Min Hee-jin had limited direct involvement in NewJeans’ debut. Casting occurred at Source Music, and funding came from HYBE. The ruling also clarified that emotional impressions do not count as evidence of trust breakdown; only objective facts do. It further acknowledged that Min Hee-jin attempted to take control of ADOR.

NewJeans Success Attributed to HYBE Structure in Contract Dispute

The court emphasized that NewJeans achieved success because of the integrated system and contributions from HYBE’s executives and employees. Their accomplishments were not seen as the sole result of the members’ individual efforts. The ruling also reflected a consistent position across courts that suggested reconciliation would be a wise option. The first trial court even advised NewJeans to seek a settlement. Many observers now believe that the group has little chance of winning the main lawsuit if they continue with litigation.

Public Urges NewJeans to Reconsider Return to ADOR

Online, MLBPARK users expressed disappointment and concern over the situation. Many now hope NewJeans will return to ADOR and resolve the conflict. They believe that further legal battles will only hurt the group’s future. With courts repeatedly favoring ADOR, a negotiated settlement may be the best solution for all parties involved.

Court Urges Settlement as NewJeans Rejects Reconciliation Efforts

The court urged NewJeans to reach a settlement, but the group insisted that trust had already collapsed. ADOR showed willingness to compromise after a ruling, while many criticized NewJeans for rejecting the final opportunity.

Here’s a link to MLBPARK.

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