Legal Expert Weighs in on NewJeans' Contract Dispute Amidst Performance with YOASOBI

Prominent attorney Lee Ji-hoon from the law firm Law & More has made a striking statement regarding the K-pop group NewJeans.

Through his YouTube channel 'The Knowing Lawyer,' Lee discussed the video titled 'NewJeans is Power | The Power Holder's Ladder Kicking,' stating, "NewJeans cannot use the name 'NewJeans' without their will, and there are issues with using their previously released songs."

Lee explained, "Claims cannot be inconsistent. Since they are claiming to have terminated their contract with ADOR, they naturally cannot use the name, and there are issues with their previously released songs. If they cannot give up the name NewJeans, they must go to court."

He further noted, "Currently, they are fulfilling their existing schedules, but the real dispute will begin after the planned activities are over. The real issue arises after the existing schedule ends. If they do not execute the plans set by ADOR, the risks increase." He emphasized, "Former CEO Min Hee-jin seems to have calculated a penalty of up to 620 billion won for taking NewJeans with her."

Lee added, "This is a civil matter, not a criminal one, so it can be resolved with money. The easiest problem in the world is one that can be solved with money. It might be unpleasant to pay when you don't want to, but the finances must be settled." He stressed, "NewJeans' claim for contract termination is valid, and HYBE should let them go, but the financial settlement is necessary."

Meanwhile, the five members of NewJeans—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—who have notified ADOR of their exclusive contract termination, performed at YOASOBI's second concert in Korea at the Incheon Inspire Arena on the 7th. They sang 'How Sweet,' 'Right Now,' and YOASOBI's hit song 'Biri-Biri.'

NewJeans expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform as guests at YOASOBI's concert, following their previous collaboration at the Tokyo Dome fan meeting. Hyein said, "It's an honor to perform as a guest at YOASOBI's concert," while YOASOBI's Ikura responded, "We are delighted to continue our connection from NewJeans' Tokyo Dome fan meeting to our concert today."

Previously, YOASOBI performed a snippet of 'Ditto.' Minji shared her fondness for YOASOBI's songs, including 'Hero,' 'Running Through the Night,' 'Monster,' and 'Tracing That Dream,' and also recommended Korean dishes like sundae soup and kimchi stew.

YOASOBI shared their encounter with NewJeans, stating, "Thank you for the surreal start of the YOASOBI Asia Tour in Korea DAY1! A huge thanks to NewJeans for joining us as guests! It was a wonderful time!" and released a photo taken together.