NewJeans Drops Appeal Against ADOR...Exclusive Contract Validity Confirmed
- Input
- 2025-11-14 14:04:08
- Updated
- 2025-11-14 14:04:08
[Financial News] The legal dispute between NewJeans and ADOR has concluded, as the members did not appeal the first trial ruling that upheld the validity of their exclusive contract with ADOR.
According to legal sources on the 14th, NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein did not submit an appeal to the Civil Agreement Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Hoe-il) by the deadline at midnight. Under civil procedure law, an appeal must be filed within two weeks of the verdict being delivered. As a result, the first trial decision is now final.
ADOR filed a lawsuit last December to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, claiming that NewJeans had unilaterally declared the contract terminated. Previously, in November, NewJeans had expressed their intention to terminate the contract, citing ADOR’s failure to fulfill its obligations.
ADOR argued that all five members notified the company of termination without just cause, and insisted that NewJeans had received sufficient support for their activities. In contrast, NewJeans claimed that trust had been broken during the dismissal process of former CEO Min Hee-jin, making it impossible to maintain the contractual relationship. They also pointed out that the agency failed to provide any alternatives before or after Min Hee-jin’s dismissal.
Both parties attempted mediation twice but failed to reach an agreement. On the 30th of last month, the court sided with ADOR, ruling that the dismissal of Min Hee-jin alone did not constitute a breach of duty or a breakdown of trust by the agency, nor did it result in a management vacuum or loss of capability. The court also noted that Min Hee-jin had voluntarily declined to continue her producer duties.
Meanwhile, on the 12th, ADOR announced that Haerin and Hyein had expressed their intention to return. On the same day, the remaining three members also decided to return to ADOR.
scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter