MUSIC
Can NewJeans and ADOR Reach an Agreement Amidst Legal Dispute?
The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Settlement Division 41 (Chief Judge Jeong Hoe-il) is set to hold a mediation session on the validity of the exclusive contract lawsuit filed by ADOR against NewJeans on the 14th at 2 PM. This session will be conducted privately, and there is a high possibility that the members of NewJeans will be present.
Industry insiders believe that the return of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, and the 'Min Hee-jin-led ADOR,' is central to this mediation. NewJeans has consistently demanded, "Return ADOR to Min Hee-jin's leadership."
Previously, in November of last year, NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract, citing ADOR's breach, and attempted to pursue independent activities. In response, ADOR filed for a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, along with injunctions to preserve their status as the agency and to prohibit advertising contract signings, all of which were upheld by the court.
During the third hearing last month, NewJeans compared the situation to "a father who committed domestic violence kicking out the mother, then telling the child who left home, 'I'll find you a better mom, so come back,'" expressing their refusal to return.
In their petition, the members also stated, "Being told to return to ADOR is akin to telling a school violence victim to return to where the perpetrator is," pleading their case.
Meanwhile, ADOR has extended an olive branch to NewJeans, suggesting, "Let's come back and work together." However, they remain firm in their stance against the key demand of NewJeans for Min Hee-jin's return.
If mediation is successful, it will have the same effect as a court settlement. If it fails, a court ruling is expected around October.
