The group NewJeans, which was planning to start activities under the new name NJZ, has had its plans thwarted. The court cited all requests for a provisional injunction filed by ADOR to prohibit NewJeans' independent activities. ADOR achieved a complete victory in this provisional injunction lawsuit.

The Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 50 (Chief Justice Kim Sang-hoon) ruled on the 21st to grant the provisional injunction request filed by ADOR against five members of NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, HAEIN) for the 'protection of the agency's status and prohibition of signing advertising contracts.'

The court determined, "Based solely on the claims and materials submitted by the debtors (five members of NewJeans), it is difficult to conclude that the creditor (ADOR) has breached significant obligations under the exclusive contract, resulting in a cause for termination or that the mutual trust has been irreparably broken."

The members argued concerns over a production gap due to the dismissal of former representative Min Hee-jin, comments from then-CEO Park Ji-won stating, 'NewJeans members would be given an extended break,' disputes between director Shin Woo-seok of the Dolphin Kidnapping Group and ADOR, phrases in HYBE's May 10, 2023, music report stating, 'Replace New and start anew,' attempts by the group ILY to undermine NewJeans' uniqueness, Hanni receiving comments like 'ignore' from a manager affiliated with Belift Lab, and leaks of photos and videos from the members' trainee days, but the court did not recognize any of the termination reasons claimed by NewJeans.

In particular, the court stated regarding the dismissal of former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin, "This is a matter concerning the creditor's managerial judgment and is not directly related to the production work for the debtors. It is difficult to conclude that the exclusive contract stipulated that Min Hee-jin must necessarily take on production work or was the motive or purpose for signing the exclusive contract."

As a result, the members' new name 'NJZ' and their independent activities have been blocked. Activities without prior approval or consent from ADOR, whether done by themselves (including legal representatives) or through third parties, are prohibited.

The period of effect lasts until a ruling on the validity of the exclusive contract lawsuit filed by ADOR against NewJeans is announced. Additionally, it was revealed that the five members must also bear the related litigation expenses. With this provisional injunction granted, the members of NewJeans face restrictions on activities as NJZ.

After the ruling, ADOR expressed, "We deeply appreciate the wise judgment of the provisional injunction court. Since ADOR has legally confirmed the status of being NewJeans' agency, we will fulfill our responsibilities in supporting the artists in the future. This weekend's performance at ComplexCon will also fully support the name of NewJeans under ADOR," adding, "We hope to meet with the artists soon and have an honest time. We kindly ask you to extend warm support and encouragement to NewJeans, who will grow again with ADOR."

However, the position of the members of NewJeans differed. Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and HAEIN emphasized through social media, "We NJZ respect the court's decision. However, this decision does not fully consider the fact that the trust of the members in ADOR has completely broken down."

They continued, "We plan to contest today's provisional injunction decision through the objection process and will strive to supplement materials during that process. There is also an ongoing lawsuit to confirm the effects of the exclusive contract between ADOR and the members, and we will reaffirm that the contract was legally terminated at the scheduled hearing on April 3."

However, they will still participate in the Hong Kong Complex concert scheduled for the 23rd. The members stated, "We decided to participate after much contemplation to prevent unforeseen harm to fans and many stakeholders who are looking forward to the concert."

[Photo] OSEN DB

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