Court Dismisses All Claims by NewJeans
"Min Heejin Engaged in Public Campaign for Independence, Not for Protection of NewJeans"
In the legal dispute between the group NewJeans and the music agency Adore, the court ruled in favor of Adore, stating that "the exclusive contract remains valid." The NewJeans side immediately responded, "We cannot return to Adore and will file an immediate appeal."
On the morning of October 30, the 41st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Hoeil) held a hearing to deliver the verdict on Adore's lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract with the five members of NewJeans. NewJeans did not appear in court that day.
The court stated, "It is difficult to conclude that the members violated any significant obligations specified as grounds for termination of the exclusive contract," and ruled that the contract remains valid. Previously, the NewJeans side had argued that the contract was void due to significant breaches of obligation and a breakdown of trust, but these claims were not accepted.
The court further explained, "It is difficult to consider the dismissal of former Adore CEO Min Heejin as a breach of contract," and added, "There is no clause in the exclusive contract requiring that Min must remain in charge of Adore."
The court also stated, "It is difficult to say that mutual trust between the contracting parties has been broken," and explained, "The relationship of trust between Adore and NewJeans has not deteriorated to the extent that it would justify terminating the exclusive contract." Additionally, the court pointed out, "Min Heejin engaged in a public campaign for the independence of NewJeans, not for the purpose of protecting the group."
In November last year, NewJeans claimed that the exclusive contract with Adore had been terminated due to a breach and announced plans to pursue independent activities. In response, Adore asserted that the contract was still valid and filed a lawsuit in December last year. The court previously attempted mediation twice, but as both sides failed to reach an agreement, the case concluded with this ruling. As a result of the court's decision, NewJeans will remain with Adore.
After the verdict, the NewJeans side stated, "While we respect the court's decision, it is impossible to return to Adore and continue normal entertainment activities given that the relationship of trust has been completely destroyed. We plan to file an immediate appeal against the first-instance ruling and hope for a wise judgment in the appellate court."
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