NewJeans, which has been hindered in its independent activities, announced that it will cease its activities as NJZ. However, it has expressed its discontent with the court's injunction ruling and is continuing its own way by filing an objection.
On the 21st, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) accepted ADOR's injunction request against the five members of NewJeans regarding 'maintaining agency status and prohibiting advertising contract formation' and issued a ruling.
According to the decision, the court considered the following: ▲ the gap in production caused by the dismissal of ADOR's CEO Min Hee-jin ▲ a statement by HYBE CEO Park Ji-won that he would give 'Kim Min-ji and others an extended vacation' ▲ a dispute between director Shin Woo-seok of the Dolphin Kidnapping Group and ADOR ▲ a phrase in HYBE's music industry report dated 2023.5.10 stating 'We can just discard the new and create a new one' ▲ the damage to the uniqueness of NewJeans' Ailet, which is affiliated with Belift Lab, ▲ Hanni overheard a 'disregard' comment from a manager affiliated with Belift Lab ▲ the leakage of photos and videos from the trainee days of Kim Min-ji and others ▲ comments made by HYBE's PR representative that belittled NewJeans' achievements ▲ NewJeans' performance being undervalued due to HYBE's album-pushing practices ▲ comments made by HYBE's Chief Strategy Officer Lee Jae-sang that he was considering 'damaging NewJeans' brand value, potentially leading to the downfall of both Min Hee-jin and NewJeans'. Based on the claims and materials submitted so far, it was determined that it was difficult to see that ADOR had sufficiently violated significant obligations of the exclusive contract.
After the injunction ruling, the members noted in an interview with TIME magazine, 'We were disappointed with the court's ruling, but we did not expect the problems in the K-pop industry to change overnight. Compared to everything we have experienced so far, this is just another step in our journey. This is the reality in Korea. But that's why we believe in the need for change and growth. It seems that Korea wants to make us revolutionaries,' continuing to assert their inability to work with ADOR.
In contrast, ADOR stated, 'We deeply appreciate the wise decision of the injunction court. As ADOR has legally confirmed its status as NewJeans' agency, we will take full responsibility for supporting the artist in the future. This weekend, we plan to provide ample support onsite for the ComplexCon performance to be held under the name of NewJeans, which is part of ADOR, and we hope to meet with the artist soon for an honest conversation. We earnestly ask for warm support and encouragement for NewJeans, who will grow with ADOR again.'
The conversation table was not set. On the 23rd, NewJeans participated in 'ComplexCon Hong Kong' held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, performing on stage. Although there was no mention of NewJeans or NJZ, the phrase 'NJZ' prominently appeared on the large electronic display, and it was easy to find references to 'NJZ' in the members' styling. Merchandise sales for the event were also conducted under 'NJZ.'
Among other things, the members, after performing their last stage, took out prepared notes and read, 'We decided to respect the court's decision and stop all activities,' adding, 'It is not an easy decision, but we are trying to gather our strength and move forward. We hope you understand that this is not the end. We will surely return, and when we do, we want to meet you all with smiling faces. Thank you so much and we love you. The five of us will always be thinking of Bunnies, so please take care of your health, eat well, sleep well, and have a happy life.'
However, this announcement of activity suspension was not made after consulting with ADOR but was an unilaterally declaration, and it was reported that the ADOR staff dispatched to assist in the events held under the name of NewJeans did not even meet the group, causing shock.
While respecting the court's decision and suspending activities as NJZ, NewJeans has reportedly filed an objection against the court's injunction decision. According to legal sources on the 24th, the members submitted an objection letter to the Seoul Central District Court, which issued a ruling fully accepting ADOR's injunction of 'prohibiting maintaining agency status and advertising contract formation.' If the objection is received against the accepted injunction decision, the same court will conduct further hearings.
The members are walking their own way, oscillating between respecting and objecting to the court's decision. In response, ADOR noted, 'We regret that NewJeans performed under another name despite the court's decision and unilaterally declared a halt to their activities. ADOR aims to do its best for NewJeans under the valid exclusive contract. We hope to meet with the artist soon to discuss the future.'
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