On July 24, during the third hearing of the exclusive contract validity lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court, ADOR argued that NewJeans would benefit from returning to their agency, both professionally and reputationally.
Quoting from a previous Seoul High Court ruling that upheld ADOR’s management rights and blocked NewJeans from pursuing independent promotions, ADOR’s legal team stated: “The burden of proof lies with the defendants to justify terminating the contract, but no valid grounds have been presented. Instead, the court confirmed there are no justifiable reasons for the contract’s cancellation.”
ADOR further emphasized that preparations for NewJeans’ comeback are actively underway, saying, “If the contract remains valid, the members will be able to enjoy top-tier support for their careers and shed the reputation of being unreliable artists. They’ll also avoid lawsuits and financial penalties.”
However, should the group proceed with terminating the contract, ADOR warned of severe consequences:
- Loss of idol image and brand identity.
- Exposure to legal disputes over damages and penalties.
- Termination of staff employment within ADOR.
- Potential collapse of the label itself.
The agency stressed that the stakes extend beyond just their company: “If this contract is unilaterally broken, ADOR may no longer be able to nurture future talent, and K-pop as a whole could face destabilization.”
They concluded by asserting: “NewJeans is essential—not just for ADOR, but for the future of K-pop. For the group, the company, and the industry, their return is the best path forward.”
As the court proceedings continue and fans watch closely, the legal and emotional tug-of-war between NewJeans and ADOR remains one of the most high-stakes disputes in recent K-pop history.
Daum
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