The court has prohibited NewJeans from independent activities that exclude their agency ADOR, while the members, who said they respect the court's decision, have stated to Time magazine that they find the court ruling disappointing.

On the 21st, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 50 (Presiding Judge Kim Sang-hoon) accepted a provisional injunction request from ADOR, a label under HYBE, against the five members of NewJeans, ruling that "Without prior approval or consent from ADOR, they must not engage in entertainment activities either personally (including their legal representative) or through a third party."

The court ruled that "Based solely on the claims and materials submitted by the debtors (the five members of NewJeans), it is difficult to conclude that the creditor (ADOR) violated significant obligations under the exclusive contract, which would constitute grounds for termination or that the trust relationship between the parties has been irreparably destroyed."

Previously, the members raised concerns about production gaps due to the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin, comments made by then-CEO Park Ji-won that he would give the NewJeans members a long vacation, disputes between director Shin Woo-seok and ADOR, a phrase in HYBE's music report dated May 10, 2023, stating "You can just discard the new and set a new direction," attempts by the group ILY to damage NewJeans' uniqueness, Hanni being told "ignore it" by a manager from Belift Lab, and the leak of photos and videos from the members' trainee days. However, the court did not recognize all the grounds for contract termination claimed by NewJeans.

In response, ADOR noted, "We deeply appreciate the wise judgment of the provisional ruling panel. Since ADOR has legally confirmed its position as NewJeans' agency, we will be responsible for supporting the artists in the future. ADOR hopes to meet with the artists soon for an honest conversation," asserting their intention to fully support the five members of NewJeans.

Nonetheless, Minji, Hanni, Daniel, Haerin, and Haein stated through the NJZ SNS channel, "We NJZ respect the court's decision. However, this decision does not fully take into account the fact that the members' trust in ADOR has been completely destroyed."

They emphasized, "We NJZ clarify once again that we cannot continue with the agency that has insulted our character and belittled our achievements, regardless of financial issues," and did not waver in their will to escape ADOR, stating to their fans, "The five of us have grown even stronger. This is not the end yet."

In an interview published by Time magazine, NewJeans members expressed, "We were disappointed by the court's ruling, but we did not expect issues in the K-pop industry to change overnight. Compared to everything we've been through, this is just another stage in our journey. This is the reality of Korea. But that is exactly why we believe change and growth are necessary. It seems that Korea wants to make us revolutionaries."

Although the NewJeans members stated, "We respect the court's decision," their interview with Time magazine revealed their discomfort, saying, "We were disappointed by the court's ruling," and, "It seems that Korea wants to make us revolutionaries."

As a result, greater attention is focused on the upcoming hearing for the main lawsuit confirming the validity of NewJeans' exclusive contract scheduled for April 3.

[Photo] OSEN DB

[OSEN]