Filing a Lawsuit to Confirm Validity of Exclusive Contract
"A Decision to Protect the Foundation of the Popular Culture Industry"
Adore, a label under HYBE, has initiated a lawsuit to continue its exclusive contract with its affiliated group NewJeans.
The group NewJeans is attending a press conference regarding the termination of their exclusive contract held on the afternoon of the 28th at SpaceShare Samsung Station Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. From left to right: Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hani, Hyein. 2024.11.28 Photo by Yonhap News
On the 5th, Adore stated, "On the 3rd, we filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court to legally confirm that the exclusive contract with our artist NewJeans remains valid."
Adore added, "We did not want issues with our artist to be resolved through legal judgment, but we made this unavoidable decision based on the judgment that it is necessary to confirm to the artist and various stakeholders that the exclusive contract between the company and the artist cannot be lightly terminated based solely on one party's claim."
Furthermore, Adore emphasized that their position to continue working with NewJeans remains unchanged. Adore said, "Although we have not yet had the opportunity to communicate with the artists, we will make relentless efforts to resolve unnecessary misunderstandings accumulated between the artists and our company."
Below is the full statement from Adore.
Hello, this is Adore.
On December 3rd, we filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court to legally confirm that the exclusive contract with our artist NewJeans remains valid.
We did not want issues with our artist to be resolved through legal judgment, but we made this unavoidable decision based on the judgment that it is necessary to confirm to the artist and various stakeholders that the exclusive contract between the company and the artist cannot be lightly terminated based solely on one party's claim. Above all, we seek a clear ruling from the court to protect the foundation of the K-pop industry, which has grown based on a healthy trust relationship between artists and companies, and further, the foundation of the Korean popular culture industry.
We share this news with a heavy heart, but it is to prevent misunderstandings by the artists that the exclusive contract has been lawfully terminated, which could lead to entertainment activities violating the currently valid exclusive contract, and to prevent unexpected damage and confusion among domestic and international industry stakeholders.
Today's K-pop has developed through the synergy of artists' talent and relentless effort, and companies' full investment and trust based on know-how. In an uncertain environment where success or failure is difficult to predict, long-term company support is essential in the popular culture industry, especially in K-pop. The company's proactive support is based on the expectation and trust that the company and artists can grow together over a certain period, and the exclusive contract is an agreement mutually consented to on this premise.
If this fundamental agreement is not upheld, the company's efforts, which have endured uncertainty for a long time and invested full trust under the name of investment, will be nullified and cannot be compensated anywhere. In other words, systematic support, investment, and system advancement in this industry will no longer be expected, and we are most concerned that the virtuous cycle of growth in the K-pop industry, which has rapidly developed through the sweat and dreams of many, will be broken.
Adore's position to continue with NewJeans remains unchanged. Apart from seeking the judiciary's judgment on the validity of the exclusive contract, we believe that sufficient and sincere discussions with the artists are absolutely necessary. Despite repeated earnest requests from Adore's executives and staff, we have not yet had the opportunity to communicate with the artists, but we will make relentless efforts to resolve unnecessary misunderstandings accumulated between the artists and our company. We will do our best to repay those who love NewJeans' music with better activities. We ask for your support and encouragement so that both Adore and the NewJeans members can wisely overcome the current situation.
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