The Court Establishes ADOR and NewJeans' Exclusive Contract Valid, Members Prohibited from Independent Activities Without Agency Permission

The exclusive contract lawsuit between ADOR and NewJeans has entered a new chapter. After a long process, the Seoul Central District Court has finally issued a preliminary ruling determining the legal relationship status between the two parties.

This ruling has become a major focus in the Korean entertainment industry. The outcome will affect the future activities of the group and clarify the status of NewJeans members who were previously involved in a conflict with their agency. What are the complete details?

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1. Background of the Exclusive Contract Lawsuit

NewJeans (credit: instagram/newjeans_official)

The dispute between ADOR and NewJeans originated from an internal conflict involving Min Hee Jin's position as CEO of ADOR. This situation led to a lawsuit regarding the validity of the exclusive contract that had been agreed upon between the group and the agency.

However, the court affirmed that the dismissal of Min Hee Jin could not be used as a reason to annul the exclusive contracts of the NewJeans members. According to the court, this reason was not strong enough to prove that there was interference with the group's activities or ADOR's inability to manage its artists.

Thus, the legal basis for the contract cancellation proposed by the defendant was deemed to lack sufficient evidence to be accepted by the court.

2. Initial Ruling from the Court

NewJeans (credit: instagram/newjeans_official)

On October 30, Korean time, Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court finally issued the first ruling regarding the validity of the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans.

In the ruling, the court stated that the exclusive contract between the plaintiff ADOR and the defendant NewJeans, signed on April 21, remains valid. The court also ordered the defendant to bear all costs related to the lawsuit.

This ruling reinforces that all activities of NewJeans remain under the supervision and permission of ADOR until the contract period ends.

3. Judge's Considerations in the Decision

NewJeans (credit: instagram/newjeans_official)

In a more detailed explanation, the court highlighted Min Hee Jin's position in this case. According to the judge, Min Hee Jin's dismissal indeed had a certain impact, but it was not enough to invalidate the exclusive contract agreed upon by both parties.

The court explained that it is difficult to conclude that Min Hee Jin's dismissal directly disrupted the group's activities, or that ADOR was unable to conduct its business in the best interests of NewJeans.

Thus, the judge assessed that the contract remains valid and binding, and the members are not allowed to engage in independent activities outside the agency's supervision.

4. Response and Appeal Plan from NewJeans

After this decision was made, both parties were given time until November 14, Korean time, to file an appeal against this initial ruling. If no appeal is filed, the contract between NewJeans and ADOR will remain in effect until 2029.

The legal representative of NewJeans also stated that they will soon file an appeal.

"Although we respect the court's decision, our client still believes that it is difficult to return to ADOR and continue activities when all trust between both parties has been lost. We hope the appellate court will carefully review the existing evidence and law related to the exclusive contract and provide a wise decision," said the legal representative of NewJeans.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the plaintiff in this case?
The plaintiff is ADOR, the agency representing the group NewJeans.

Who is the defendant in this case?
The defendants are the members of NewJeans, who are involved in the lawsuit regarding the validity of their contracts.

When was this ruling issued?
The ruling was read on October 30, 2025, Korean time, by Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court.

Is the contract still valid?
Yes. The court stated that the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans remains valid and binding until 2029.

Does NewJeans plan to appeal?
Yes. The legal representatives of NewJeans have stated that they will soon file an appeal against the initial ruling.

What is the impact of this decision on NewJeans' activities?
All activities of NewJeans must continue to be conducted under the permission and supervision of ADOR. The group is prohibited from engaging in independent activities without the agency's approval.

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(kpl/psp)