The exclusive contracts of NewJeans – composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – with ADOR were ruled valid by the Seoul Central District Court, citing ‘insufficient grounds’ for the girl group to end their ties with the label.
The court decision ruled in favor of ADOR by the 41st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday, Oct. 30. It stated that it was ‘difficult to conclude’ that the label ‘breached the exclusive contract’ with the K-pop quintet.
‘It is difficult to conclude that ADOR breached the exclusive contract solely by dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin,’ the court order said, per reports. ‘Even if Min Hee-jin was removed from the CEO position, she could have performed producer duties as a director on the board, and it was not necessary for her to remain CEO to do so.’
‘Even after dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin, ADOR continued efforts to carry on management work with the defendants and considering preparations for album releases, performances and fan meetings, and advertising and tour plans, it is difficult to conclude that the plaintiff (ADOR) neglected its management obligations,’ it added.
The court was referring to former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who was dismissed in August 2024 following a clash with the top executives of HYBE (ADOR’s parent corporation), regarding the management of NewJeans’ activities.
It was also pointed out that Min’s dismissal had ‘no clause’ in the girl group’s contract that constitutes grounds for validity in the latter’s ties, noting that their ‘great trust’ in the former CEO is not ‘grounds to terminate the exclusive contract’ as well.
The court also stated that Min’s exposé alleging that ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM were copies of NewJeans’ concept was made with ‘the purpose of achieving independence,’ instead of protecting the ‘Super Shy’ hitmakers. At the same time, it also didn’t accept the ‘Attention’ singers’ claim of them suggesting alleged workplace harassment in the company.
‘Based on the evidence submitted alone, it is difficult to conclude that Hanni heard remarks from a manager of ILLIT – such as ‘ignore her’ – that rose to the level of infringing her personality rights. ADOR took sufficient steps to verify Hanni’s account including promptly requesting that HYBE review relevant CCTV footage after the issue was raised,’ it said.
NewJeans to appeal decision
Following the court’s decision, NewJeans’ legal representative Shin and Kim LLC said it is ‘impossible’ for the quintet to return to ADOR due to ‘completely collapsed’ trust.
‘For the lawsuit filed by ADOR against the members for the confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contracts, the Seoul Central District Court ruled at the court of first instance today that the exclusive contracts are valid,’ their statement read.
‘The members respect the court’s decision, but given that their relationship of trust with ADOR has completely collapsed, they believe it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue their activities in the entertainment industry in a normal manner,’ it continued.
As a result, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein plan to appeal the first-instance ruling.
‘They hope the appellate court will once again comprehensively review the facts to date and the legal principles governing termination of the exclusive contracts and render a wise judgment,’ it said. ‘Lastly, we would like to express sincere gratitude to the fans who are waiting and showing support for this long period of time.’
Since their contract dispute in late 2024, the girl group has remained inactive – although some would make brief appearances at brand launches – in the entertainment industry.
They also announced earlier this year that they would rebrand as NJZ. However, their appearance at the ComplexCon show in Hong Kong last March was their last performance as a five-member unit thus far.