All Five NewJeans Members Attend Injunction Hearing in Person
Adore and NewJeans, who are embroiled in a dispute over the termination of their exclusive contract, engaged in a legal battle. Adore claimed, "The success of NewJeans was backed by Adore's full support," arguing that there is no reason to terminate the exclusive contract. On the other hand, NewJeans countered, stating, "The trust relationship has broken down, and Adore failed to take proper protective measures against HYBE's discrimination and obstruction," asserting that there are grounds for contract termination.
Girl group NewJeans (NJZ) is answering questions from the press as they leave the courthouse after the hearing date for the provisional injunction application regarding 'protection of agency status and prohibition of advertising contract conclusion' held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
The Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 50 (Chief Presiding Judge Kim Sang-hoon) held a hearing on a provisional injunction filed by Adore against the five members of NewJeans, seeking to maintain the agency's status and prohibit the conclusion of advertising contracts. The hearing is a procedure to collect statements from the parties involved, interested parties, or witnesses and gather evidence in addition to written examinations before deciding on the injunction. The members, dressed in black, attended the trial and remained throughout the approximately two-hour session, observing the arguments from both sides. Kim Joo-young, CEO of Adore, also appeared in court.
Earlier, the five members of NewJeans began independent activities last November, claiming that their exclusive contract with Adore was terminated due to Adore's breach of contract. In response, Adore filed a provisional injunction in January, seeking to prevent NewJeans members from independently signing advertising contracts.
Adore argued that there is no valid reason to terminate the exclusive contract. They stated, "For a reason to terminate the exclusive contract to be recognized, a significant breach of duty must be acknowledged. The key aspects of the exclusive contract are guaranteeing opportunities for entertainment activities and revenue settlement," adding, "Adore fulfilled its obligations, and NewJeans grew into global stars, receiving settlements of 5 billion KRW per member." They also said, "Although it is claimed that Adore intentionally discriminated and excluded them, no company would foolishly harm a group in which it invested a huge sum of 21 billion KRW."
Conversely, NewJeans emphasized the necessity of terminating the exclusive contract based on the breakdown of trust. They argued, "In the case of an artist's exclusive contract, free will and the exercise of a holistic and creative imagination are required," and "When the trust relationship is broken due to unfair discrimination and attacks, it becomes impossible to continue activities as an artist." They further stated that the creditor failed to take proper protective measures against HYBE's discrimination and obstruction, describing Adore as "a flawed agency that, as a label under HYBE, fundamentally lacks the basic ability or willingness to fulfill its duties as a proper agency under the exclusive contract."
At the end of the hearing, CEO Kim and the NewJeans members each had the opportunity to speak and directly explain the situation. CEO Kim said, "The only reason we filed this provisional injunction is to be with the NewJeans members," adding, "We will support the NewJeans members with all our capabilities and sincerity."
NewJeans member Danielle said, "The managers, CEO, and stylists we trusted and believed in are no longer at Adore. I don't know who to trust or how to be protected if I go back," adding, "I am 21 years old now, and I don't want to spend the next five years like this. Regardless of the outcome, I have no desire to be with Adore."
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