HYBE refuted claims that it impeded NewJeans' (NJZ) wearing of mourning ribbons.

On the 7th, HYBE stated, "We would like to inform you that false information regarding mourning ribbons is spreading," and "There is no reason for the company to prevent the artist from wearing mourning ribbons."

It also noted, "At that time, HYBE was conducting a comprehensive review of the wearing of mourning ribbons by NewJeans as well as other label artists," and "considering the broadcasting conditions different from Korea in Japan, we communicated to each label that prior coordination with broadcasters was necessary."

Furthermore, HYBE indicated, "We also coordinated subtitles and MC comments regarding the reason for wearing mourning ribbons with the broadcasters beforehand," and "In this process, all artists expressed their intention to wear the ribbons, and we attempted to provide the same ribbon to NewJeans. However, they expressed a desire to wear the ribbon they prepared themselves, so this was respected and a final decision was made."

The members of NewJeans (NJZ) attended the hearing at the Seoul Central District Court's 50th Civil Division on the 7th regarding a preliminary injunction filed by ADOR against the members of NewJeans concerning the position maintenance and prohibition of contract signing.

On that day, the members referenced the Jeju Air disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport in December last year. NewJeans attended the '66th Record Awards' held in Japan on December 30, the day after the disaster.

According to the legal representatives of NewJeans, the members intended to perform wearing mourning ribbons at the 66th Record Awards, but the creditors (ADOR) opposed it. The reason was that "if mourning ribbons were worn, the broadcasting station's operations would be paralyzed due to an influx of phone calls from Japanese viewers," but the members reportedly received a reply stating that "there was no problem" after directly inquiring with the Japanese broadcaster.

Afterwards, they intended to wear the ribbons, but HYBE did not provide the ribbons, and ultimately, member Hanni made and wore a ribbon herself to perform, according to NewJeans' claims.

- The following is the full statement from HYBE.

We would like to inform you about the mourning ribbons mentioned in today's preliminary injunction hearing.

We would like to inform you that false information regarding mourning ribbons is spreading. There is no reason for the company to prevent the artist from wearing mourning ribbons.

At that time, HYBE was conducting a comprehensive review of the wearing of mourning ribbons by NewJeans as well as other label artists.

Considering the broadcasting conditions different from Korea in Japan, we communicated to each label that prior coordination with broadcasters was necessary. Additionally, we coordinated subtitles and MC comments regarding the reasons for wearing mourning ribbons with the broadcasters.

In this process, all artists expressed their intention to wear the ribbons, and we attempted to provide the same ribbons to NewJeans. However, they expressed a desire to wear the ribbons they prepared themselves, which was respected, and a final decision was made.

On the 7th at 10:30 a.m., a hearing was held in the 50th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court regarding the preliminary injunction application filed by ADOR against the five members of NewJeans (NJZ) concerning the position maintenance and prohibition of contract signing. On this day, NewJeans (NJZ) referenced the Jeju Air disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport in December last year, stating, "HYBE's scheme nearly resulted in the creditors becoming the subjects of condemnation."

NewJeans (NJZ) officials explained, "At that time, the members intended to wear the disaster ribbons on the Japanese stage, but HYBE blocked it, saying, 'The Japanese broadcasting station may raise issues.' However, after confirmation, we received a response from the Japanese broadcasting station that there were no problems," adding, "Ultimately, Hanni made the mourning ribbons in a hurry and took the stage."

Furthermore, they stated, "Later, a HYBE-affiliated artist was seen performing on stage wearing a regular mourning ribbon. If the debtors had listened to the creditors, this incident could have led to public condemnation. This is evidence that creditors are damaging the reputations of debtors behind the scenes."

This preliminary injunction hearing is the first legal procedure following NewJeans declaring the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR last November. ADOR filed the preliminary injunction in January to block the independent advertising contracts and activities of the NewJeans members.

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[OSEN = Choi Yi-jeong reporter]