On the 30th, ADOR shared their sentiments following a court ruling in their favor regarding the validity of their exclusive contract with NewJeans. ADOR stated, "Today, the court confirmed that the exclusive contract between us and NewJeans remains valid," adding that the court found no breach of duty by ADOR as a management company and that attempts to dissolve the contract based on a perceived breakdown of trust were not permissible.
ADOR further expressed, "We sincerely hope that today's verdict, which reaffirms the same principles after a thorough examination of various claims and facts over a long period, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on the matter." They continued, "We will also reaffirm our role and responsibilities as required by the exclusive contract. As stated during the main trial, we are ready and waiting for activities, including the release of a full album. We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artists."
The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 41, led by Chief Judge Jeong Hoe-il, held a sentencing hearing at 9:50 AM, ruling in favor of ADOR in the lawsuit confirming the validity of the exclusive contract with the five members of NewJeans. The court confirmed the validity of the contracts signed on April 21 between the plaintiff and the defendants, siding with ADOR.
The court dismissed all claims of contract violations made by NewJeans. It emphasized that the removal of CEO Min Hee-jin, a key point raised by NewJeans, did not constitute a breakdown of trust between the parties.
Below is ADOR's statement regarding the court's decision on the validity of the exclusive contract:
Today, the court confirmed that the exclusive contract between us and NewJeans remains valid.
The court found no breach of duty by ADOR as a management company and ruled that attempts to dissolve the contract based on a perceived breakdown of trust were not permissible.
We deeply appreciate the court's decision.
Since the artists' claim to terminate the exclusive contract last November, we have carefully responded to the series of legal proceedings, including the main lawsuit to confirm the contract's validity, an injunction to prevent confusion until the main judgment, the court's acceptance of the injunction, the artists' immediate appeal, and the dismissal of that appeal.
For nearly a year, the court has repeatedly decided in various related lawsuits that we hold the position of a management company under the exclusive contract and that the artists must engage in entertainment activities with us.
We sincerely hope that today's verdict, which reaffirms the same principles after a thorough examination of various claims and facts over a long period, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on the matter.
We will also reaffirm our role and responsibilities as required by the exclusive contract. As stated during the main trial, we are ready and waiting for activities, including the release of a full album. We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artists.
Reporter Ji-ye Choi, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr