The Seoul Central District Court has ruled that NewJeans must seek approval from their agency, ADOR, before engaging in any solo or third-party entertainment activities. This ruling reinforces the agency’s control amid an ongoing legal dispute regarding the group’s exclusive contract.
On May 30, the court partially granted ADOR’s request for an injunction, mandating that this restriction remains until a determination is reached about the contract’s validity. The court stated that any violation of this ruling will result in a hefty penalty of 1 billion KRW (around 725,000 USD) per instance, and any legal costs incurred will fall on NewJeans.
This decision comes on the heels of a March ruling that prevented NewJeans from signing individual advertising deals, a decision the court reaffirmed in April after rejecting the group’s objections. While this latest court outcome seems to bolster ADOR’s legal standing, the group is still advocating for their contract to be terminated, citing a significant breakdown of trust. The next hearing is scheduled for June 5.
Fans and netizens have expressed disappointment over the ruling, as NewJeans’ performances are indefinitely on hold. Many took to social media to voice their thoughts, with comments such as:
"Honestly, this is the right outcome… They acted like the law didn’t apply to them, demanding to work only with producers they liked. I doubt the judge saw them in a good light."
Fans are clearly frustrated not only about the group’s future but also about the implications of the ruling:
"We won’t see NewJeans for a long time… Justice has been served. This is how it should be. If they have any conscience, they should at least apologize to fellow groups and company staff."
The financial burden of the penalty has also drawn concern from fans:
"Wow, 1 billion KRW per violation… It’s a loss to even try to promote now. They tried to walk out but are now legally forced back in."
Criticism of the group’s management and the circumstances surrounding the situation has surfaced, with some fans placing blame on multiple parties:
"Even if they’re minors, once their legal guardians signed the contract, they’re bound by it. How lightly did they take the law? Honestly, the blame lies with: 1. Min Hee Jin for gaslighting them. 2. The law firm that encouraged it. and 3. The members themselves for being unreasonable."
Some comments reflected disappointment and a sense of loss regarding the group’s future:
"It’s really a shame. It was NewJeans’ world… If not for Min Hee Jin, they’d have made a comeback and renewed all their ad deals long ago."
Amid the turmoil, hopes for reconciliation have surfaced, with one fan suggesting:
"My Prediction: NewJeans will reconcile with ADOR and release a song sometime between October and December under a new producer…"
The collective sentiment seems to urge NewJeans to reconsider their position in light of these developments:
"Of course, 1 billion KRW is a huge amount, but I was surprised it wasn’t even more astronomical. Isn’t this a one-sided breach of contract?"
With emotions running high and uncertainty looming, many are left wondering:
"Where is Min Hee Jin, and what is she doing right now?"
As supporters continue to wish for a swift resolution, they implore:
"Just go back already. Please."
