NewJeans and ADOR are engaged in a prolonged legal dispute over an injunction restricting independent activities. The court initially sided with ADOR, but NewJeans contested the decision, leading to an upcoming hearing. The ongoing legal battle poses significant risks to NewJeans future in the fast-changing entertainment industry.
Legal Dispute Between NewJeans and ADOR
NewJeans has filed an objection against the court’s injunction prohibiting independent activities. The court had previously ruled in favor of ADOR’s request, preventing the group from engaging in entertainment activities without prior approval. According to legal sources, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 50, led by Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon, will review the objection on April 9. The members submitted their objection on March 21, the same day the injunction was granted.
Court’s Injunction and Its Legal Basis
ADOR requested the court to prohibit NewJeans from engaging in entertainment activities through independent means or third parties without prior approval. The court accepted this request. It emphasized that an artist may terminate an exclusive contract if trust between contractual parties is broken. However, the party claiming termination must prove that maintaining the contract has become impossible. If the court denies an injunction, the petitioner can appeal immediately. The opposing party can appeal only if the court rejects their objection. Once someone files an objection, the court reassesses the case.
NewJeans’ Independent Activities and ADOR’s Response
In November last year, NewJeans declared that their exclusive contract with ADOR had been terminated due to contractual violations. They subsequently rebranded as NJZ and began independent activities. In response, ADOR filed for an injunction in January to block them from signing independent advertising contracts. Later, ADOR expanded its request, seeking to prohibit NewJeans from participating in any entertainment-related activities, including songwriting, singing, and performing.
ADOR’s Legal Strategy and Potential Countermeasures
To strengthen its position in the legal dispute, ADOR has publicly stated that it will continue supporting NewJeans and has taken actions consistent with this claim. However, trust between the two parties has already collapsed. Once the lawsuit concludes, ADOR is expected to file additional lawsuits against NewJeans, demanding compensation for damages and contractual penalties. Given the court’s previous ruling in favor of ADOR’s injunction, NewJeans is likely to face significant difficulties in winning such cases.
Concerns Over Legal Dispute and NewJeans Future
Discussions on online platforms, such as MLBPARK, highlight concerns about NewJeans’ legal battle. If the case proceeds through multiple appeals, a final ruling from the Supreme Court could take over three years. By that time, NewJeans may have passed their peak as an idol group. The fast-paced nature of the music industry means that losing several years to legal battles could be devastating for their careers. Critics argue that their reliance on Min Heejin is misguided, and even if they succeed in influencing public perception, legal rulings remain based on strict contractual principles.
Media Influence and Public Sentiment on NewJeans Legal Dispute
NewJeans’ decision to testify at the National Assembly and engage with major U.S. media outlets has not necessarily worked in their favor. Many in Korea see their approach as an attempt to bypass legal resolution by appealing to political and international influence. As a result, public sentiment has turned increasingly unfavorable. Instead of pursuing alternative strategies, the most practical solution for NewJeans would be to seek a settlement with ADOR.
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It’s crystal clear that ILLIT and Le Sserafim got dragged through the mud because of Min Hee-jin and NewJeans. But now that the injunction’s failed and NewJeans’ claims are turning out to be BS, it’s kinda BS to say we can’t talk about other groups anymore. Sucks, but looks like it’s NewJeans’ turn to explain themselves.