NEWJEANS
It’s a complete defeat for NEWJEANS.
On the 30th, the 41st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict in the lawsuit filed by ADOR against the members of NEWJEANS, MINJI, HANNI, DANIELLE, HAERIN, and HYEIN, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contracts. The court ruled entirely in favor of the plaintiff, confirming that the exclusive contracts signed between ADOR and the five members of NEWJEANS are “valid.”
The court did not recognize any of the arguments put forward by the NEWJEANS side to justify terminating the contract.
First, the court determined that the dismissal of Min Hee Jin, former CEO of ADOR, did not mean that there was a management vacuum within the company, nor that ADOR had lost its capacity to fulfill its duties. The court also clarified that even though she had been removed from her position as CEO, Min Hee Jin could still take part in production activities as a member of the board of directors, meaning it was not essential for her to retain the CEO position. Furthermore, the court found no sufficient evidence that the relationship of trust between NEWJEANS and ADOR had been broken. The accusations that ADOR had interfered with the group’s activities were also deemed unproven.
During the ruling, the court took time to refute each of NEWJEANS’ defense claims one by one, explaining in detail the reasons for its decision. In particular, the allegation that an employee from another label made disparaging remarks toward HANNI was not acknowledged. The court relied on internal HYBE CCTV footage showing members of another group greeting HANNI, concluding that “it is difficult to recognize, based on the evidence provided, that she was subjected to statements undermining her dignity.”
The NEWJEANS side immediately announced its intention to appeal. Their attorney stated after the verdict:
“The members respect the court’s decision but believe it is impossible for them to return to ADOR and continue normal artistic activities in a situation where the relationship of trust has been completely broken.”
As a result, NEWJEANS’ activities are expected to remain suspended, as the members have made it clear they refuse to return under ADOR despite the court’s ruling. The group’s latest release, the double single “how sweet”, came out in May of last year. It has been over a year since NEWJEANS released a new album or held a concert.
Meanwhile, Min Hee Jin has embarked on a new beginning. The former director has founded a new agency called “OOAK”, whose legal registration has been finalized. “OOAK”’s operations include artist management, music production and distribution, as well as the planning and organization of performances and events.
Some had speculated that Min Hee Jin might recruit NEWJEANS depending on the trial’s outcome, but since the court ruled in favor of ADOR, a reunion between Min Hee Jin and NEWJEANS will ultimately not take place.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source : Korean Medias
