The Seoul Central District Court has ruled that NewJeans cannot engage in any solo or third-party entertainment activities without ADOR’s prior approval, reinforcing the agency’s control during an ongoing legal dispute over their exclusive contract.
On May 30, the court partially granted ADOR’s injunction request, stating that this restriction will remain in effect until a ruling is made on the contract’s validity. Violations will incur a 1 billion KRW (approximately 725,000 USD) penalty per instance, with legal costs charged to NewJeans.
This follows a prior March ruling that barred the group from signing separate ad deals, which the court reaffirmed in April after NewJeans’ objection was denied. While the court’s latest decision strengthens ADOR’s position, NewJeans continues to push for contract termination due to a breakdown of trust. The next court hearing is set for June 5.
Korean netizens and fans are disappointed as they cannot see NewJeans perform for an indefinite length. They commented:
“Honestly, this is the right outcome… They acted like the law didn’t apply to them, demanding to work only with producers they liked. I doubt the judge saw them in a good light.”
“We won’t see NewJeans for a long time…”
“Justice has been served. This is how it should be. If they have any conscience, they should at least apologize to fellow groups and company staff.”
“Wow, 1 billion KRW per violation… It’s a loss to even try to promote now. They tried to walk out but are now legally forced back in. If they want to return (which I hope they don’t), they should personally go and bow their heads to HYBE idols, especially ILLIT and their managers, and apologize.”
“Even if they’re minors, once their legal guardians signed the contract, they’re bound by it. How lightly did they take the law to think they could push through with double standards as ‘evidence’? Honestly, the blame lies with: 1. Min Hee Jin for gaslighting them. 2. The law firm that encouraged it. and 3. The members themselves for being unreasonable. GG (good game).”
“Where is Min Hee Jin hiding anyway?”
“Some people probably support NewJeans just because they hate Bang Si Hyuk… but we have to look at this realistically, not emotionally. A contract is no joke.”
“Even at this stage, they should consider going back. This might be their last chance.”
“If they didn’t follow Min Hee Jin, they could’ve continued their careers as rising stars.”
“It’s really a shame. It was NewJeans’ world… If not for Min Hee Jin, they’d have made a comeback and renewed all their ad deals long ago. It’s like a ‘if I can’t have it, I’ll destroy it’ situation. I feel sorry for the girls and their parents who got pulled into this.”
“My Prediction: NewJeans will reconcile with ADOR and release a song sometime between October and December under a new producer…”
“If NewJeans had released songs and continued promotions in late last year, they would’ve probably crushed aespa and IVE. It’s a pity.”
“There will always be new stars to take their place. No matter how successful a star is, once enough time passes, someone else will take over. That’s just how it goes.”
“They’re probably starting to get a headache now, seeing money draining from their bank accounts without any income.”
“I really hope they go back and start promoting again. Please.”
“Of course, 1 billion KRW is a huge amount, but I was surprised it wasn’t even more astronomical. Isn’t this a one-sided breach of contract?”
“Where is Min Hee Jin, and what is she doing right now?”
“Just go back already. Please.”
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