5 Important Points Discussed in the NJZ and ADOR Trial, One of Which is NJZ Being Called a Success Thanks to HYBE

The first hearing between NJZ (NewJeans) and ADOR has just taken place at the Central District Court of Seoul. The dispute between both parties involves various issues, including claims that HYBE has a significant influence on NJZ's success and allegations of discrimination faced by the group.

In this hearing, all five members of NJZ were present to give their testimonies. Meanwhile, the ADOR side maintains their position that the contract with NJZ remains valid and claims that HYBE plays a crucial role in building the group's popularity.

Here are the five main points discussed in this first hearing.

1. ADOR Claims NJZ's Success is Due to HYBE's Investment

5 Key Points Discussed in the NJZ and ADOR Trial (credit: YouTube/STARNEWS KOREA)

ADOR emphasized that NJZ's success is thanks to a significant investment from HYBE, amounting to ₩21 billion KRW (approximately $14.5 million USD). According to ADOR's legal counsel, this investment is substantial and cannot be overlooked as a key factor behind NJZ's achievements.

They also added that NJZ receives full support from all ADOR employees since they are the only artists under the label. “The talent and hard work of NJZ members alone are not enough to explain their success,” said ADOR's legal counsel.

2. The Influence of BTS on NJZ's Popularity

5 Important Points Discussed in the NJZ and ADOR Trial (credit: YouTube/STARNEWS KOREA)

During the trial, ADOR revealed that NJZ's popularity received a significant boost due to their connection with BTS. They highlighted that Minji and Hanni appeared in BTS's music video "Permission to Dance".

Additionally, ADOR claims that Min Hee Jin—CEO of ADOR—requested that NJZ be promoted by leveraging their connections to BTS, the most famous group under HYBE. This, according to ADOR, provides a significant advantage for NJZ in building their fanbase.

3. NJZ Claims HYBE is Hindering Them on the Jeju Air Issue

5 Important Points Discussed in the NJZ and ADOR Trial (credit: YouTube/STARNEWS KOREA)

NJZ revealed that HYBE tried to prevent them from wearing black ribbons as a form of respect for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash that occurred last December. They claim that HYBE forbade them from wearing the ribbons during their performance in Japan due to sensitivity with the local broadcasting station.

However, after obtaining direct permission from the Japanese TV station, Hanni quickly made the ribbons before they went on stage. “Then, we saw other HYBE artists wearing mourning ribbons,” NJZ stated in the trial, accusing HYBE of deliberately damaging their reputation.

On the other hand, ADOR denied these accusations and stated that NJZ themselves chose a different ribbon from the one prepared by the company.

4. CCTV Evidence Regarding the Incident with ILLIT

5 Important Points Discussed in the NJZ and ADOR Trial (credit: YouTube/STARNEWS KOREA)

Another issue discussed in the hearing was the alleged mistreatment that NJZ received from another group under HYBE. Previously, NJZ claimed that a manager from another group, later identified as ILLIT, instructed the members of ILLIT to ignore NJZ in the artist area at the HYBE office.

NJZ also alleged that the CCTV footage of this incident had been deleted by HYBE. However, during the trial, ADOR presented footage showing that three members of ILLIT actually bowed 90 degrees while greeting Hanni and Danielle.

5. NJZ Accuses HYBE of Discrimination

The NJZ legal team accuses HYBE of discrimination against them in several ways. They mention a "large-scale media play" that favors other groups, neglect of NJZ in favor of ILLIT's debut, and the plagiarism controversy involving ILLIT.

Furthermore, they also state that HYBE ignored NJZ to prioritize the debut of LE SSERAFIM. They even allege that HYBE intervened in the brand collaboration involving Hyein from NJZ and LE SSERAFIM. "When we contacted the brand, they said that HYBE requested them to choose LE SSERAFIM," revealed NJZ's legal representative.

The parties from ADOR and Source Music denied all these claims and stated that all decisions were made based on fair business considerations.

6. What is the core of the trial between NJZ and ADOR?

This trial discusses NJZ's claims against ADOR and HYBE, including allegations of HYBE's interference in NJZ's popularity, unfair treatment, and conflicts related to promotions and support for the group.

7. Why is HYBE said to play a role in NJZ's success?

According to ADOR, NJZ received significant investment from HYBE, as well as a boost in popularity from its relationship with BTS and HYBE's marketing strategies.

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