Court Rules Against K-pop Group NewJeans in Contract Dispute
Seoul Court Sides with ADOR, Prohibiting Group’s Independent Activities
SEOUL: A South Korean court has ruled against popular K-pop girl group NewJeans, which had sought to sever ties with their label ADOR over what they called “mistreatment” by the company.
NewJeans’ Decision to Leave ADOR
The group made headlines in November by announcing their decision to leave ADOR, whose parent company HYBE is behind K-pop sensation BTS.
Label’s Request for Injunction
The label later filed for an injunction to maintain its status as the managing agency of NewJeans, requesting that the Seoul central district court prohibit the group’s members from engaging in independent commercial activities.
Court’s Ruling
The court has sided with ADOR, issuing a ruling that the group – now branding themselves as NJZ – must not pursue independent endeavours.
Court’s Justification
The court stated that if the group “unilaterally terminate their exclusive contract” with ADOR, and change their name autonomously, the label would suffer “significant damages”.
The group’s actions would also “severely damage not only the brand value of NewJeans but also ADOR’s reputation as a management company,” the court added.
NewJeans’ Background
NewJeans made their debut in 2022 and is among HYBE’s most successful acts.
Contract Dispute
NewJeans and ADOR have been caught in the heated contract dispute since August, following allegations that HYBE forced out the group’s star producer, Min Hee-jin.
NewJeans’ Ultimatum
The band issued an ultimatum for Min’s reinstatement, which HYBE declined.
NewJeans’ Accusations
In response, the members took their grievances public, accusing the label of intentionally sabotaging their careers.
Band member Hanni alleged last year that the group experienced workplace harassment, such as “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation regarding multiple areas” while working with ADOR.
Conclusion
The court’s ruling is a significant setback for NewJeans, which had hoped to break free from what they perceived as mistreatment by ADOR. The group’s members will now be unable to engage in independent commercial activities, and will be bound to their contract with the label.
FAQs
What is the outcome of the court’s ruling? The court has ruled in favor of ADOR, prohibiting NewJeans from pursuing independent activities.
What are the implications of the court’s ruling? The group’s members will be unable to engage in independent commercial activities, and will be bound to their contract with ADOR.
What is the background of the contract dispute? The dispute began in August, following allegations that HYBE forced out the group’s star producer, Min Hee-jin.
What is the next step for NewJeans? The group’s members will likely need to re-evaluate their plans and consider their next move, which may include seeking a new management agency or re-negotiating their contract with ADOR.