HYBE's label ADOR stated that there is no reason to exclude or discriminate against NewJeans (NJZ), which it nurtured with an investment of 21 billion won.
ADOR's attorney refuted the claims during a court hearing on a request for a temporary injunction to maintain ADOR's status and prohibit advertising contracts on the morning of the 7th at Seoul Central District Court's 50th Civil Division, arguing that there are no grounds for termination of the exclusive contract.
ADOR emphasized that "termination of the exclusive contract can only happen due to 'significant breaches of obligations,' such as not providing opportunities for entertainment activities or unresolved revenue, but the reasons claimed by NewJeans do not fall into this category," and asserted, "There is no reason to exclude or discriminate against a group that has been diligently nurtured with an investment of 21 billion won since 2018, and considering the comprehensive support before and after their debut and the successful results, claims of discrimination or exclusion cannot be substantiated."
Regarding the breakdown of trust, ADOR claimed that it is merely an 'unilateral claim of destruction' rather than 'mutual destruction' and that it is trying to create an appearance of trust destruction over issues in which ADOR bears no responsibility.
Even after NewJeans announced the termination of the exclusive contract, ADOR presented reasons such as the support provided to NewJeans' activities and filing lawsuits against negative commenters as evidence of its commitment to protecting the artist.
Additionally, on that day, ADOR publicly refuted the so-called 'ignore' incident by releasing a video. The video shows the moment last May when members of the group ILY from BELIFT LAB, a subsidiary of HYBE, encountered NewJeans members. The video captures the ILY members greeting NewJeans' Hanni and Danielle with a 90-degree bow as they pass by.
Furthermore, related to the controversial 'ignore' comment, ADOR revealed content from a KakaoTalk conversation submitted by NewJeans, involving former representative Min and Hanni. When Min asked Hanni, "Did your manager tell you not to greet?" Hanni replied, "I'm not sure." The explanation Hanni gave in English to Min also included that all members of ILY greeted and passed (bowed).
ADOR requested that the court make a wise decision so that NewJeans can return and continue their legacy.
During the trial, CEO Kim Joo-young stated, "The only reason the company applied for this temporary injunction is because we want to be with the members of NewJeans." He added remarks from an ADOR member, who is responsible for producing videos for NewJeans, saying, "The members don't even know of my existence, but I see their faces and hear their voices more than the members themselves while editing videos every day." Kim then appealed, saying, "Please give an opportunity to our members who have been sincere and dedicated to NewJeans."
Meanwhile, although there was no obligation for the parties to attend that day, NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and HAEIN appeared in court to attend the trial in person. The NewJeans side is asserting that "HYBE and ADOR have discriminated against and excluded NewJeans, attempting to replace and discard them with other groups." Additionally, they claimed, "ADOR has admitted to lacking the will or ability to protect and nurture the members, and has instead destroyed the foundation for entertainment activities and their achievements. Without an ounce of remorse, they intend to bind us like slaves and starve us out. The termination notices from the members are legitimate and lawful, becoming effective immediately upon notification. Therefore, this temporary injunction should rightfully be dismissed." Earlier, the five members of NewJeans began their independent activities last November after the termination of their contract due to ADOR's exclusive contract violations. Last month, they announced a new team name, NJZ, opened a new account, and are set to perform at the 'Complex Live' in Hong Kong.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]