NewJeans and ADOR's exclusive contract dispute ultimately ended in "ADOR's complete victory." However, a legal ruling did not put an end to the conflict. As members who had declared independent paths returned to ADOR, confusing messages continued, and the tasks ahead became even clearer.
On the 30th of last month, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR in the lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contracts that ADOR had filed against the five members of NewJeans. The court found that the members' claim of "breach of trust" could not be recognized, and that the dismissal of former representative Min Hee-jin was not a reason to terminate the exclusive contracts. Almost all the reasons raised by NewJeans were not accepted. It was effectively a clear victory for ADOR.
Immediately after the ruling, NewJeans said it would appeal and maintained that it "could not return to ADOR," but the situation changed dramatically in just 10 days.
First, Haerin and Hye-in on the 12th issued an official statement through ADOR saying they "will comply with the exclusive contracts and resume activities." About three hours later, Min-ji·Hanni·Danielle also said in a separate statement that they "will return to ADOR." But this was a "one-sided notice" released without prior coordination with the agency, and ADOR said it was taking a cautious stance, saying it was "verifying the sincerity of the three members."
Although it seems the appearance of a "five-person return" has been barely formed at the end of the conflict, the problem begins here. Since the members had gone through steps toward disbandment and even adopted the new team name "NJZ," restoring internal trust is essential.
Former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin also said she "respects the members' choices" and offered full support, but she is still engaged in separate litigation with HYBE. Above all, because the five members had presented their relationship with former representative Min as a core identity, how the producing system will be reorganized going forward has attracted industry attention.
ADOR is currently coordinating individual meeting schedules with the three members who expressed willingness to return. The agency said it will "do its best for smooth discussions," but there are many obstacles to overcome before the team is normalized.
The legal battle is over, but the wounds left by the conflict have not yet healed. For NewJeans to stand on stage, tasks such as restoring trust, internal reorganization and determining producing direction remain stacked. The dispute was concluded with ADOR's victory. But the real aftershocks seem to be starting now.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]