NewJeans to Appeal Court Ruling Upholding Exclusive Contract with ADOR

Members of the group NewJeans have announced their intention to appeal a court ruling that upheld the validity of their exclusive contract with their agency, ADOR.

On the 30th, NewJeans' legal representative, Shin & Kim LLC, released an official statement saying, "Today, the Seoul Central District Court delivered a first-instance ruling confirming the validity of the exclusive contract in the lawsuit filed by ADOR against the members."

They stated, "While the members respect the court's decision, they believe it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities due to the complete breakdown of trust with the agency." The members plan to immediately appeal the first-instance ruling.

NewJeans' side further expressed hope that the appellate court will thoroughly review the facts and legal principles regarding the termination of the exclusive contract to deliver a wise judgment.

Earlier on the 30th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 41, presided over by Judge Jeong Hoi-il, delivered the first-instance ruling in the lawsuit filed by ADOR against NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

The court stated, "It is difficult to see the exclusive contract as forcing the defendants (NewJeans) to engage in entertainment activities against their free will," confirming the validity of the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans and rejecting all claims of contract violations raised by NewJeans.

Meanwhile, the current exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR is known to be valid until July 31, 2029.

Full Statement from NewJeans' Legal Representative, Shin & Kim LLC

Today, the Seoul Central District Court delivered a first-instance ruling confirming the validity of the exclusive contract in the lawsuit filed by ADOR against the members.

While the members respect the court's decision, they believe it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue normal entertainment activities due to the complete breakdown of trust with the agency.

The members plan to immediately appeal the first-instance ruling and hope that the appellate court will thoroughly review the facts and legal principles regarding the termination of the exclusive contract to deliver a wise judgment.

Lastly, we sincerely thank the fans who have waited and supported us for a long time.

Thank you.

Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr