The ongoing legal saga between K-pop group NewJeans and their agency ADOR has taken another significant turn. On May 30, the Seoul Central District Court delivered a ruling that legally bars the members of NewJeans from engaging in any solo or third-party entertainment activities without ADOR’s prior approval. This decision reinforces the agency’s control over the group amidst a heated dispute concerning their exclusive contract.
The court’s partial granting of ADOR‘s injunction request means that this restriction will remain firmly in place until a final ruling on the contract’s validity is made. The stakes are incredibly high, with violations incurring a hefty 1 billion KRW (approximately 725,000 USD) penalty per instance, and legal costs falling squarely on NewJeans.
This isn’t the first time the court has weighed in on the matter of NewJeans’ independent activities. A prior March ruling had already prohibited the group from signing separate advertisement deals, a decision that was reaffirmed in April after NewJeans’ objection was denied. While the latest ruling significantly strengthens ADOR‘s position, NewJeans continues to push for contract termination, citing a profound breakdown of trust between the group and the agency. The next critical court hearing is fast approaching, set for June 5th.
Adding to the complexity, NewJeans issued an official statement on May 30th clarifying the court’s decision regarding indirect compulsory enforcement. They emphasized that this ruling, which orders each member to pay 1 billion KRW (approximately $730,000) for every instance of unauthorized independent entertainment activity, was in response to an application submitted by ADOR on April 4th. They stated it is not directly tied to the ongoing appeal they filed against the initial injunction, which is still under separate legal review. NewJeans further clarified that this latest decision is “temporary until the appeal is resolved,” adding that if they win the injunction appeal, both the original and related indirect enforcement rulings will lose their legal effect.
The court’s finding that NewJeans violated the terms of the injunction by engaging in activities such as overseas performances and music releases under a new group name, NJZ, has added another layer to this intricate legal battle. With five members, a single unauthorized group activity could now potentially incur a staggering total penalty of 5 billion KRW (approximately $3.65 million).
The legal dispute over the validity of their exclusive contract continues, with NewJeans’ legal team expressing no intention to settle during the first hearing last month, while ADOR‘s representatives indicated they were open to a settlement.
Many fans are expressing deep concern for the group’s halted activities and their future. The inability to pursue solo endeavors or independent projects is seen by some as a significant blow to their career momentum and individual growth.
Others argue that ADOR is simply exercising its legal rights as the agency with a valid contract. They believe that upholding contractual agreements is crucial for the stability of the K-pop industry.
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