ADOR Files Injunction to Stop NewJeans from Signing Independent Brand Deal; Legal Battle Intensifies

ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, submitted an injunction request to the court aiming to prevent NewJeans from entering into an independent brand contract. This move indicates that the legal dispute between the two parties, which began in November when NewJeans claimed the contract was invalid, is worsening. On the 13th, ADOR announced it had filed the injunction application at the Seoul Central District Court the previous week. ADOR alleged that despite the ongoing contract dispute, NewJeans members are attempting to contact advertising agencies to secure independent brand deals. In a statement, ADOR explained that this decision was taken to avoid confusion and harm among third parties, including advertisers. The company further expressed concern that allowing unilateral termination of exclusive contracts and independent activities without legal procedures could undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilize the K-pop sector. In November, NewJeans declared the termination of its contract with ADOR during a press conference. They argued that the contract should be invalidated due to harassment by ADOR and HYBE, its parent company, as well as breaches of trust and misconduct. This situation stemmed from escalating conflicts between Minhee, the former CEO and creative director of ADOR, and HYBE. ADOR strongly rejected these claims, stating that the contract “remains fully valid” and that “unilateral allegations of breach of trust alone do not constitute a legitimate reason for termination.” In December, ADOR filed a lawsuit against NewJeans to prove the legal validity of the contract, a move NewJeans criticized as “unethical and inhumane.” Currently, NewJeans is maintaining independence from ADOR by creating an independent Instagram account at @jeanzforfree to communicate with fans through live streaming. However, ADOR has demanded that they stop using this account, arguing that such independent activities “raise concerns among third parties.” ADOR warned that operating the account through separate entertainment activities could lead to legal issues. As of now, NewJeans is engaged in a fierce legal battle with ADOR over the contract’s validity, with ADOR claiming the contract remains valid until 2027. Having ranked eighth in global album sales in 2023, NewJeans faces significant restrictions on releasing new albums or promoting activities if this dispute drags on. The members of NewJeans have expressed their determination to “fight to protect the value of the name NewJeans no matter how the contract dispute unfolds,” adding that “in their hearts, they will always remain NewJeans.”