NewJeans vs. ADOR: Exclusive Contract Battle Heads Toward Oct. 30 Verdict
Sep 11, 2025
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At 1:30 p.m. on the 11th, the second mediation date for the exclusive contract validity lawsuit filed by Ador against five NewJeans members was held at the 41st Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge's Assembly date).
NewJeans declared its independent activities last year, saying that the exclusive contract was terminated due to Ador's breach of contract. In response, Adore filed a lawsuit against the members to apply for an injunction against the preservation of the agency's status and the conclusion of an advertising contract, and to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract (the original lawsuit).
Citing all of Ador's applications for provisional injunction, the court ordered the members to compensate 1 billion won in penalties per case if they engage in independent activities without consultation with him. When the two objections were rejected, NewJeans suspended its activities, saying it would reveal its legitimacy in the main lawsuit.
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Ador claimed that Hive invested 21 billion won to fully support NewJeans, but it was a change of heart after NewJeans succeeded. The members received more than 5 billion won per person, and the profit settlement was well established, and there was no reason for the breakdown of the trust relationship or termination of the exclusive contract.
On the other hand, NewJeans said that the trust relationship was broken due to actions such as the unfair ouster of former A-Door CEO Min Hee-jin. Even though the members held a press conference, sent proof of contents, and made clear their demands for correction, including the return of former representative Min, Adore and Hive did not take appropriate measures. In particular, the members stated that the incident was a case in which 'Dad', who was committing domestic violence, chased away 'Mom', who was protecting children, and that it was harsh to ask them to return to the door.
As a result, the first mediation broke down, and the second mediation broke down in about 20 minutes on the 11th, and the case waited for the judgment of the court. The court set Oct. 30 as the date for sentencing.
The court will judge the validity of the existing exclusive contract and liability for damages, and decide the fate of NewJeans and Ador.
silk781220@sportschosun.com
