NewJeans Loses Legal Battle Against ADOR, Contract Valid Until 2029

The K-pop group NewJeans has lost its legal battle against its agency, ADOR, regarding their exclusive contract. The contract is set to last until July 31, 2029.

On the morning of the 30th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 41, led by Judge Jeong Hoe-il, delivered the verdict on the lawsuit filed by ADOR against the five members of NewJeans to confirm the validity of their exclusive contract. The court ruled that ADOR did not breach the contract simply by dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin. Furthermore, the court criticized Min Hee-jin for allegedly orchestrating a public campaign for NewJeans' independence, stating it was not for the group's protection.

NewJeans remains under contract with ADOR until July 31, 2029. However, considering the time lost due to the lawsuit, there is a possibility that the contract period could be extended by about a year.

The court had previously attempted mediation twice in August and September, but both parties failed to reach an agreement, leading to the final ruling.

The lawsuit originated from NewJeans' claim since last year that ADOR had breached the contract, rendering it void, and their intention to pursue independent activities. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit in December last year to confirm the contract's validity and requested an injunction to prevent the members from engaging in independent activities until the final ruling.

The court sided with ADOR, and NewJeans' appeals and objections were dismissed. Consequently, the members were unable to pursue independent activities without ADOR's approval until the final ruling.

Additionally, in May, the court accepted ADOR's request for indirect enforcement, ordering NewJeans to pay 1 billion won per member for each violation if they engaged in independent activities.

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