NewJeans’ Legal Team Strongly Dismisses Settlement Proposal in Second Court Hearing Against ADOR

On June 4 KST, the Seoul Central District Court hosted the second hearing regarding the exclusive contract dispute between the members of NewJeans and their agency, ADOR. Though the hearing was significant, the NewJeans members did not attend, opting instead to be represented by their legal team.

During the proceedings, the court’s 41st civil division asked if either party was interested in a settlement. In response, NewJeans’ legal representative stated,

"The relationship of trust has been completely shattered. We have crossed a river and can no longer return."

Conversely, ADOR maintained a more optimistic stance, suggesting that a settlement could be straightforward if the court made a definitive decision about the case.

NewJeans’ representatives put forth several claims against ADOR, emphasizing that the agency had not fulfilled its essential management duties as outlined in their contract. They highlighted how the management shift—following the departure of Min Hee Jin—led to abrupt organizational changes that stripped NewJeans of their independence. Despite repeated requests for corrections to these issues, they argued, ADOR did not comply.

In contrast, ADOR countered these claims by asserting that NewJeans frequently alters their reasons for wanting to terminate their contracts, indicating that the group had preemptively decided to end the partnership without sufficient justification.

NewJeans’ side further scrutinized the evidence presented by ADOR, asserting:

"If you look at the evidence presented by ADOR, it’s clear that the evidence is insufficient. ADOR claimed that it fulfilled its management duties by presenting a list of potential producers for NewJeans to work with, but that is not the full extent of the company’s responsibilities. If ADOR met producer Hitchhiker as claimed, then they must also disclose what matters were discussed and what were the outcomes of this meeting."

The hearing has also raised concerns about the group’s future activities. The court has previously restricted NewJeans from engaging in any independent endeavors outside of ADOR, imposing a hefty fine of 1 billion KRW for each member if they fail to comply.

With the tension mounting, the next court hearing for this ongoing legal battle is set for July 24.