NewJeans Contract Dispute: Hyein's Parents at Odds Amid Legal Battle with ADOR

The K-pop group NewJeans, consisting of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, is embroiled in a legal battle with their agency, ADOR, over the validity of their exclusive contract. In a surprising twist, it has been revealed that Hyein's father is advocating for a compromise with ADOR, contrary to Hyein's mother, who supports the lawsuit. This internal family conflict has escalated to the courtroom, confirming rumors of differing opinions among NewJeans members' parents.

According to a report by TenAsia on the 10th, Hyein's father, one of the minor members of NewJeans, has expressed his stance against legally confronting ADOR in the 'exclusive contract validity confirmation lawsuit' filed by the agency. An entertainment industry insider stated, "Hyein's father was the one who opposed the legal battle against ADOR. Hyein and her mother were in favor of the lawsuit. Due to the differing opinions, Hyein's mother filed a request with the Seoul Family Court to limit the father's parental rights for this lawsuit."

When contacted for confirmation, the law firm Sejong, representing NewJeans, only stated, "We will confirm and get back to you," without providing further details.

Speculation about differing opinions among NewJeans' parents regarding the ADOR lawsuit has been rife in the entertainment industry. During the first hearing of the 'exclusive contract validity confirmation lawsuit' on the 3rd, it was revealed that a decision had been made by the Seoul Family Court regarding parental rights. This led to interpretations that one of the minor members' parents had a differing opinion, prompting the court's involvement.

Under South Korean law, minors require parental representation in lawsuits. Among NewJeans' five members, Haerin and Hyein are minors. Rumors had circulated that Haerin's parents were the ones with differing opinions, but industry insiders clarified that it was Hyein's father. The Seoul Family Court sided with Hyein's mother, restricting the father's legal representation rights. It remains unclear whether Hyein's father has appealed this decision.

Many in the industry view this as the beginning of a rift within NewJeans. Previously, it was believed that all five members and their ten parents were united in their desire to leave ADOR. However, internal disagreements have now surfaced. There is growing interest in whether other members' parents, who support the lawsuit, might change their stance, leading to further divisions. Some express concern that the contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR has led to familial discord within Hyein's family.

Despite NewJeans' refusal to acknowledge the validity of their exclusive contract with ADOR, the situation is not in their favor. On September 21, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50, led by Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon, ruled in favor of ADOR in the 'injunction to preserve agency status and prohibit advertising contract signing' case against NewJeans. NewJeans had claimed their contract with ADOR was terminated in November last year and announced plans for independent activities, but the court's decision has halted these plans. The five members have filed an objection to the court's injunction decision.

On September 23, NewJeans announced a "temporary suspension of activities" during their performance at Hong Kong's 'ComplexCon' and have since remained out of the public eye. They have also deleted their SNS channel, previously named NJZ, and rebranded it with the initials MHDHH, representing the members' names. The PR channel, claiming to represent the ten parents of the five members, has also changed its name to MHDHH.

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