ADOR Files Injunction Against NewJeans Members Amid Contract Dispute

ADOR has taken legal action against the members of NewJeans by filing for an injunction to prevent them from independently signing advertising contracts and to maintain the agency's status. The company stated that the purpose of this injunction is to avoid confusion and damage while expressing its intention to continue working with the members. Last week, ADOR submitted the injunction request to the Seoul Central District Court, following a lawsuit filed on December 3, 2024, to confirm the validity of the exclusive contracts. This legal move aims to ensure that ADOR retains its management rights over NewJeans until the first trial ruling is made, preventing the members from engaging in advertising activities without the agency's consent.

On January 13, ADOR outlined two main reasons for the injunction. Firstly, the agency aims to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, such as advertisers, due to the members' attempts to negotiate contracts independently. Given that the final ruling on the validity of the exclusive contracts may take considerable time, ADOR felt it necessary to file for the injunction to mitigate any chaos in the meantime.

Secondly, ADOR reiterated its commitment to working with NewJeans, stating that if the members' independent actions continue to create market confusion, it could lead to a decline in the brand value of NewJeans, which is ADOR's sole artist. The agency expressed concern that even if a ruling later confirms the validity of the contracts, it may be too late to restore the situation.

ADOR warned that if the NewJeans members set a precedent by unilaterally declaring contract termination and engaging in independent activities without legal procedures, it could destabilize the foundation of the K-pop industry.

Despite the ongoing legal disputes, ADOR indicated plans for future activities with NewJeans, asserting that they are providing support for the members' entertainment activities and have already completed plans for various projects, including a regular album release and fan meetings this year. The agency emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with the members for continued collaboration.

On November 28, 2024, NewJeans held an emergency press conference to announce their termination of the contract with ADOR, claiming that the agency lacked the will and ability to protect them. The members expressed that no corrective actions were taken despite their formal notice. Following this, they declared their intent to terminate the contract and pursue independent activities starting from midnight on November 29.

In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit to legally confirm the validity of the exclusive contracts, stating that they did not wish for issues with their artists to be resolved through legal means but felt it necessary to clarify that contracts cannot be easily terminated based on one party's claims.

The agency emphasized the need to protect the healthy trust relationship that has been the foundation of the K-pop industry and to prevent any unexpected harm or confusion for industry stakeholders due to misunderstandings about the contract's status.

In contrast, the NewJeans members stated, 'We have already returned profits exceeding the investment to ADOR and HYBE. Our trust in ADOR and HYBE has been shattered, and there is no longer a reason to work with them as stipulated in the contract. The contract clearly states that we can terminate it if ADOR fails to fulfill its obligations.' They further argued that forcing them to work for an additional five years despite the breakdown of trust and contract violations is unreasonable and inhumane. They expressed regret over ADOR's public statements that mislead the public into believing the contract is still valid.

As NewJeans continues to pursue independent activities amid industry concerns following their contract termination announcement, attention is focused on whether the conflict can be resolved following ADOR's injunction request.