MUSIC
NewJeans' Agency ADOR Wins Legal Battle, Members' Solo Activities Restricted
On the 18th, ADOR stated, "There was a decision in the appeal hearing that once again clearly confirms ADOR as NewJeans' agency," adding, "We deeply appreciate the court's judgment."
They continued, "We hope this decision will serve as an opportunity for the members to return to their rightful place as 'NewJeans' and resume their activities," emphasizing, "As NewJeans approaches their third anniversary next month, the company plans to fully support their greater leap and growth."
Previously, on the 17th, the Seoul High Court's Civil Division 25-2 (Presiding Judges Hwang Byung-ha, Jung Jong-gwan, and Lee Kyun-yong) dismissed the appeal filed by the five members of NewJeans against the 'injunction to prohibit independent activities.' In April, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) upheld ADOR's application for an 'injunction to preserve agency status and prohibit advertising contracts,' rejecting the members' objections.
At that time, the court stated, "Even after reviewing the claims and evidence repeatedly emphasized by the debtors through their objections, the injunction decision in this case is deemed justified," siding with ADOR. Although NewJeans members submitted an appeal, the high court also dismissed it, confirming the prohibition on NewJeans' independent activities.
As a result of this decision, NewJeans members cannot engage in solo entertainment activities or advertising contracts without ADOR's consent. Essentially, all entertainment activities are prohibited.
Amidst the legal battle, NewJeans finds themselves in a bind. Industry insiders predict that activities will be impossible until the legal disputes are resolved. An entertainment industry insider stated, "With the court repeatedly siding with ADOR, NewJeans' independent activities are effectively blocked," adding, "Currently, the only way for NewJeans to resume activities is through a settlement."
However, the possibility of a settlement between the two parties seems low. Previously, NewJeans' representative responded to the court's inquiry about the possibility of a settlement by saying, "The trust relationship has already broken down, and we've crossed a point of no return. It won't be easy, but we'll have to discuss it with our clients." ADOR also expressed its desire for the court's judgment, stating, "Whether it's the main case or an injunction, we believe a settlement will be easier once the court reaches a conclusion."
On April 29, the court also accepted ADOR's application for indirect enforcement against NewJeans, deciding that if NewJeans engages in independent activities without ADOR's prior approval, each member must pay 1 billion KRW per violation to ADOR.
Thank you.
Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
