Legal Expert Advises NewJeans to Reassess Legal Strategy Amid Ongoing Dispute

Former judge and attorney Lee Hyun-gon has suggested that NewJeans reconsider their legal strategy following a court ruling that has hindered their independent activities. In contrast, attorney Ko Sang-rok, known as a staunch supporter of NewJeans, criticized the group after their first foreign media interview post-ruling, stating, "It's time to wake up from the dream."

On March 23, Lee Hyun-gon expressed his disappointment with the court's decision on his social media, stating, "I reviewed the injunction ruling and found the court's judgment lacking. I hope NJZ's legal team will reassess their argument strategy." He emphasized that the case should not devolve into a blame game over contract termination, as this could muddy the waters and obscure accountability. Instead, he believes the focus should be on proving that the trust between Ador and NJZ has irreparably broken down, which is a recognized basis for contract termination in legal precedents.

Lee has previously shown support for NewJeans, sharing emotional reactions to court decisions and even filing a lawsuit on behalf of the NewJeans fandom, Bunnies, against Ador and HYBE last October. His advice to avoid a blame-focused approach has raised eyebrows among some netizens, especially since NewJeans has unilaterally declared contract termination due to alleged breaches of trust.

The court's ruling indicated that many of NewJeans' claims were not substantiated, including issues surrounding the dismissal of Ador's CEO Min Hee-jin and various disputes involving HYBE. The court found that Ador had largely fulfilled its contractual obligations, and any shortcomings did not reach a level that would justify the termination of the trust necessary for the contract.

In a stark contrast, Ko Sang-rok criticized NewJeans for their post-ruling behavior, suggesting that their approach could be seen as disingenuous and harmful to the industry. He urged them to respect the system that has supported their success and to act with integrity, rather than resorting to public outcry or defamation. Ko expressed concern that their recent interview, conducted without proper reflection on the court's decision, could undermine their position.

Meanwhile, NewJeans participated in the 'ComplexCon' event in Hong Kong on March 23, with Ador expressing their commitment to support the group and facilitate open dialogue with the artists. They urged fans to continue their support for NewJeans as they navigate this challenging period.