Court Upholds Ban on Independent Activities for K-Pop Group NewJeans

The court's decision to prohibit independent activities by the K-pop group NewJeans has been upheld in an appeal. As a result, the members are unable to pursue activities outside their agency, ADOR, for the foreseeable future, leading to an inevitable prolonged hiatus for the group.

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 'ban on independent activities' injunction. Previously, in April, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) had upheld ADOR's request for an 'injunction to preserve agency status and prohibit advertising contracts,' rejecting the members' objections.

The court stated, "Even after reviewing the claims and evidence repeatedly emphasized by the debtors in their objections, the decision on this injunction is deemed justified," siding with ADOR. Despite NewJeans members filing an appeal, the high court also dismissed it, confirming the ban on independent activities.

Due to this decision, NewJeans members cannot engage in 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 consistently siding with ADOR, NewJeans' independent activities are effectively blocked," adding, "Currently, the only way for NewJeans to resume activities is through a settlement."

However, a settlement seems unlikely. Previously, NewJeans' representative stated in response to the court's inquiry about the possibility of a settlement, "The trust relationship has already broken down irreparably. It will be difficult, even after consulting with the clients." ADOR also expressed a preference for a court ruling, stating, "Whether it's the main case or the injunction, once the court reaches a conclusion, a settlement will be easier."

On April 29, the court also accepted ADOR's indirect compulsion application 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.

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