ADOR Files Injunction Against NewJeans Members Over Contract Dispute

On January 13, 2025, ADOR announced that it has filed for an injunction against the members of NewJeans, seeking to maintain its status as their management agency and prevent the members from independently signing advertising contracts. In a press release, ADOR stated, "Last week, we submitted a request for a 'provisional injunction to maintain agency status and prohibit the signing of advertising contracts' to the Seoul Central District Court regarding the NewJeans members."

This injunction aims to affirm ADOR's position as the management agency until the court delivers its first ruling on the 'confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract' case that ADOR filed on December 3, 2024. The company seeks to prevent the NewJeans members from engaging in advertising activities without ADOR's approval.

According to ADOR, the request for the injunction was prompted by the NewJeans members' unilateral declaration to terminate their exclusive contracts, which has led to attempts to negotiate contracts with advertisers independently. ADOR expressed concern that this could cause confusion and harm to third parties, such as advertisers. The company emphasized that the members' claims of contract termination are unjustified and will be addressed in the ongoing legal proceedings. However, due to the potential for ongoing confusion, ADOR felt it necessary to file for the injunction urgently.

ADOR further explained that the injunction reflects its commitment to working with NewJeans. The company warned that continued independent actions by the members could lead to a decline in the brand value of NewJeans, which is ADOR's sole artist, potentially jeopardizing the agency's competitiveness and financial stability. They noted that even if a ruling later confirms the validity of the exclusive contract, it may be too late to restore the situation.

In the injunction request, ADOR appealed to the court, stating, "There needs to be an opportunity to correct any misjudgments or actions before legal responsibilities expand uncontrollably for the sake of NewJeans." They also conveyed industry-wide concerns that if a precedent is set allowing unilateral contract terminations without legal procedures, it could deter investment in the entertainment industry and destabilize the K-pop sector.

Finally, ADOR reaffirmed its position that the exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid and that it will continue to support all personnel and resources for the group's activities. The agency is currently receiving proposals for various projects, including advertising and events, and has already planned activities for the year, including a regular album release and fan meetings, hoping for effective communication with the NewJeans members.

Previously, in November 2024, the NewJeans members held an emergency press conference to announce their termination of the exclusive contract with ADOR and have since been carrying out scheduled activities under the NewJeans name.