Seoul: A court ruled on Thursday that the exclusive contract between popular girl group NewJeans and its K-pop label ADOR is valid. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the decision in a lawsuit filed by ADOR last year, confirming the contract’s validity and resulting in a complete defeat for NewJeans.
According to Yonhap News Agency, NewJeans’ argument that the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin violated the exclusive contract was not accepted by the court. The court also dismissed claims that a breakdown of bilateral trust justified the contract’s termination. In response to the ruling, NewJeans announced plans to appeal the decision promptly.
“The members respect the court’s ruling, but they are of the position that it is impossible to return to ADOR or resume normal activities under the current circumstances, where trust with the company has completely collapsed,” stated the group’s legal representative.
ADOR, on the other hand, welcomed the judgment and expressed hope for the group’s early return. “We sincerely hope today’s decision will serve as an opportunity for the artists to reflect on the matter calmly,” the agency commented, adding that it had completed preparations for a new full-length album and awaited the group’s return.
The dispute began when NewJeans declared the termination of its contract with ADOR in November last year, citing a breach of trust due to the agency’s alleged failure to meet its obligations. ADOR subsequently filed the lawsuit, arguing that NewJeans’ attempt to pursue an independent career constituted a serious breach of their contract.
The court concluded that the dismissal of Min did not create a management vacuum for NewJeans, nor did it indicate ADOR’s inability to fulfill its duties. The court noted, “There is no clause in the exclusive contract that requires Min to take charge of ADOR. Even though Min was removed from the CEO post, she was able to participate in the production work as an outside director.”