NewJeans Announces Contract Termination with ADOR Amidst Legal Uncertainty

In an urgent press conference, K-pop group NewJeans announced their decision to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR. The group stated firmly, "ADOR lacks both the will and the ability to protect NewJeans. We declare that the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR will be terminated as of midnight on the 29th."

NewJeans cited reasons such as changes in management and supervision for the breakdown in trust with ADOR. They also addressed the astronomical penalty fees involved, asserting, "We have not violated the exclusive contract, so the responsibility lies with ADOR and HYBE." The group expressed a desire to continue using the name NewJeans and mentioned their wish to work with CEO Min Hee-jin if possible.

During the press conference, NewJeans reiterated their stance without providing substantial legal answers. When pressed by reporters on legal matters, the group repeated, "HYBE and ADOR breached the contract, and we are terminating it as per the notice we sent," without offering legal evidence.

Faced with numerous legal questions, NewJeans appeared flustered and unable to respond. A PR representative intervened, stating, "The legal review is still under discussion." This confirmed that NewJeans announced the contract termination without a thorough legal review.

Legal experts agree that the lack of legal judgment was a critical misstep in NewJeans' press conference. The group's claims were based on their desires and assertions without legal backing. Announcing a legal termination of an exclusive contract requires legal grounds, but NewJeans focused on emotional appeals rather than rational arguments.

Industry analysts argue that the reasons NewJeans cited, such as management changes, are not convincing enough to claim a breach of trust by ADOR. To support their claims, NewJeans would need to provide legal evidence of ADOR's contract violations, but their arguments remain vague and abstract.

Furthermore, NewJeans is criticized for disregarding legal procedures. By holding an urgent press conference on the afternoon of the 28th, before the deadline for the notice, they left room for legal disputes.

Sending a notice is not a sufficient condition for a lawful contract termination. A provisional injunction to suspend the contract's effect is necessary. Only with a court's approval can NewJeans leave ADOR and sign with another company.

However, NewJeans argued, "We are terminating the contract because ADOR and HYBE breached it, and once the contract is terminated, there will be no obstacles to our activities. We believe there is no need for an injunction lawsuit." This statement resembles a unilateral contract breach rather than a termination.

Contracts are the foundation of capitalism. Thanks to their contract, NewJeans received tens of millions of dollars annually. Contracts cannot be easily broken for this reason. While NewJeans claims the fault lies with HYBE and ADOR, it is not for them to decide. Determining a contract's validity is the role of civil courts. If contracts could be broken at will due to hurt feelings, the foundation of trust and promises in society would be shaken.

Previously, NewJeans were seen as victims of adult conflicts. Now, they have become active participants in the dispute by holding a press conference. NewJeans and their parents cannot avoid a lengthy legal battle with ADOR. The law is not an emotional realm. If they have been navigating disputes emotionally, it's time to engage in a rational legal battle. The fantasy world surrounding them has shattered. NewJeans frequently mentioned adventure and challenge, but reality is too cold to be explained by such terms.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr