News Hybe/MHJ Civil War Megathread (34 Viewers)

[Selfmate]

Ador is making factual arguments ...

the kids are making emotional and poor ones at that.

i dont want to go back... lol welcome to a job .kid.

hopefully there's more next week lol

 

[princesita]

They've been dragging other groups into their mess for months now and all in the name of public enemy #1; MHJ. I do think idols should fight for their rights but they're doing at the expense of other's reputations and careers. I think it's hypocritical for them to take the stance of fighting for their rights when they're actually only fighting for MHJ. Speaking of MHJ, why is she so silent now? What's going on with all of those lawsuits against her and those coke rants about "plagiarism" towards any new gg that dares to debut after njz?

 

[Selfmate]

They've been dragging other groups into their mess for months now and all in the name of public enemy #1; MHJ. I do think idols should fight for their rights but they're doing at the expense of other's reputations and careers. I think it's hypocritical for them to take the stance of fighting for their rights when they're actually only fighting for MHJ. Speaking of MHJ, why is she so silent now? What's going on with all of those lawsuits against her and those coke rants about "plagiarism" towards any new gg that dares to debut after njz?

belift and source still have actions against MHJ and NJ I think

 

[RandAlThor]

belift and source still have actions against MHJ and NJ I think

And both were really pissed about that last message.

 

[Selfmate]

Min Hee-jin faces tampering allegations in NewJeans contract termination dispute

Evidence has emerged that Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, was deeply involved in the announcement of the contract termination for NewJeans (new activity name NJZ).

This supports the allegation of 'tampering' which refers to third parties (former CEO Min) contacting an artist (NewJeans) whose contract with the agency (Adore) has not yet expired without the agency's consent.

Adore and NewJeans are in a legal dispute over the termination of their exclusive contract, and tampering is cited as one of the major issues shaking the exclusive contract.

Documents from the oral argument regarding the 'prevention of agency status and prohibition of contract signing' filed by Adore against NewJeans members on the 11th reveal that former CEO Min and his legal representative, the law firm Sejong, participated in the process when NewJeans notified Adore of the contract termination on Nov. 29, 2024.

The properties of the termination notice written as a PDF file show that the author was Sejong, who was at that time the legal representative of former CEO Min. The company name in English, S&K, is also confirmed. This appears to be due to the use of a corporate account to create the document.

Right before sending the termination notice on Nov. 28, NewJeans held a press conference and abruptly announced the termination of the contract, stating that they had not yet appointed a law firm at that time.

NewJeans officially announced that they had appointed Sejong in January of this year. NewJeans stated in a position paper that after Adore filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, they determined it was necessary to have a law firm capable of responding to the request for 'prevention of agency status and prohibition of contract signing' as Adore proceeded with that request. It was stated that to respond quickly to the request, it was deemed appropriate to reach out to those already familiar with the mistakes and issues of HYBE and Adore.

Adore believes that tampering was at play in the chain of events from NewJeans' corrective measures request on Nov. 14, 2024, to former CEO Min's resignation on Nov. 20, and the declaration of contract termination on Nov. 28. NewJeans declared the termination of the exclusive contract during a press conference on Nov. 28, before the midnight deadline for responding to the corrective measures.

In addition, Adore presented evidence, including KakaoTalk conversations and emails captured from the former CEO Min's mobile phone, as well as the fact that claims made in a prior case between Min and Adore in May 2024 were quoted verbatim. They also pointed out that the term 'early this year' was not corrected to 'early last year.'

Termination or cancellation of an exclusive contract is only applicable in cases of significant violations of contractual obligations. Adore claims that the company did not violate important obligations of the exclusive contract, thereby asserting that the termination notice is unjust. NewJeans claims the termination is justified due to a breakdown of trust. On the 7th, all members of NewJeans appeared in court and stated, 'We have no desire to be with Adore at all.'

The industry is paying attention to how tampering will play a role in this dispute. Recently, five music organizations, including the Korea Management Association, the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, the Korea Music Label Industry Association, the Korea Recording Industry Association, and the Korea Music Content Association, stated, 'If attempts at tampering succeed, the entertainment management industry, which is the core of the K-pop industry, could collapse, and overseas capital could take away the K-pop industry,' thereby lending support to Adore. They also urged the government and the National Assembly to take action to eliminate tampering.

The court will conclude the hearing by the 14th and determine the outcome of the provisional measures. They requested that all necessary evidence and documents be submitted by that date. They also asked NewJeans to reorganize and submit the list of reasons for the termination of the exclusive contract.

The first trial date for the lawsuit filed by Adore regarding the validity of the exclusive contract is scheduled for the 3rd of next month.

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2025/03/11/HV4NMHQSLJH23KB35KJSA524LA/

 

[RandAlThor]

Min Hee-jin faces tampering allegations in NewJeans contract termination dispute

Evidence has emerged that Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, was deeply involved in the announcement of the contract termination for NewJeans (new activity name NJZ).

This supports the allegation of 'tampering' which refers to third parties (former CEO Min) contacting an artist (NewJeans) whose contract with the agency (Adore) has not yet expired without the agency's consent.

Adore and NewJeans are in a legal dispute over the termination of their exclusive contract, and tampering is cited as one of the major issues shaking the exclusive contract.

Documents from the oral argument regarding the 'prevention of agency status and prohibition of contract signing' filed by Adore against NewJeans members on the 11th reveal that former CEO Min and his legal representative, the law firm Sejong, participated in the process when NewJeans notified Adore of the contract termination on Nov. 29, 2024.

The properties of the termination notice written as a PDF file show that the author was Sejong, who was at that time the legal representative of former CEO Min. The company name in English, S&K, is also confirmed. This appears to be due to the use of a corporate account to create the document.

Right before sending the termination notice on Nov. 28, NewJeans held a press conference and abruptly announced the termination of the contract, stating that they had not yet appointed a law firm at that time.

NewJeans officially announced that they had appointed Sejong in January of this year. NewJeans stated in a position paper that after Adore filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract, they determined it was necessary to have a law firm capable of responding to the request for 'prevention of agency status and prohibition of contract signing' as Adore proceeded with that request. It was stated that to respond quickly to the request, it was deemed appropriate to reach out to those already familiar with the mistakes and issues of HYBE and Adore.

Adore believes that tampering was at play in the chain of events from NewJeans' corrective measures request on Nov. 14, 2024, to former CEO Min's resignation on Nov. 20, and the declaration of contract termination on Nov. 28. NewJeans declared the termination of the exclusive contract during a press conference on Nov. 28, before the midnight deadline for responding to the corrective measures.

In addition, Adore presented evidence, including KakaoTalk conversations and emails captured from the former CEO Min's mobile phone, as well as the fact that claims made in a prior case between Min and Adore in May 2024 were quoted verbatim. They also pointed out that the term 'early this year' was not corrected to 'early last year.'

Termination or cancellation of an exclusive contract is only applicable in cases of significant violations of contractual obligations. Adore claims that the company did not violate important obligations of the exclusive contract, thereby asserting that the termination notice is unjust. NewJeans claims the termination is justified due to a breakdown of trust. On the 7th, all members of NewJeans appeared in court and stated, 'We have no desire to be with Adore at all.'

The industry is paying attention to how tampering will play a role in this dispute. Recently, five music organizations, including the Korea Management Association, the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, the Korea Music Label Industry Association, the Korea Recording Industry Association, and the Korea Music Content Association, stated, 'If attempts at tampering succeed, the entertainment management industry, which is the core of the K-pop industry, could collapse, and overseas capital could take away the K-pop industry,' thereby lending support to Adore. They also urged the government and the National Assembly to take action to eliminate tampering.

The court will conclude the hearing by the 14th and determine the outcome of the provisional measures. They requested that all necessary evidence and documents be submitted by that date. They also asked NewJeans to reorganize and submit the list of reasons for the termination of the exclusive contract.

The first trial date for the lawsuit filed by Adore regarding the validity of the exclusive contract is scheduled for the 3rd of next month.

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2025/03/11/HV4NMHQSLJH23KB35KJSA524LA/

Aye this is going to be worse than 50/50. the level of f-up is just astounding.

 

[Selfmate]

Aye this is going to be worse than 50/50. the level of f-up is just astounding.

well we're gonna get more action this Friday 14 March

 

[Selfmate]

30,000 NewJeans fans submit petition urging court to reject Ador’s injunction

NewJeans' fandom “Team Bunnies,” announced Wednesday that its 30,000 members had submitted a petition to the court to urge it to dismiss Ador’s injunction request filed in January to maintain its management rights over the girl group.

Ador is the disputed former agency of NewJeans, now rebranded as NJZ, after the members unilaterally terminated their exclusive contracts in November 2024.

“Fans fully support the members’ decision to end their contracts, as we believe they were deliberately mistreated by Hybe (parent company of Ador) and its chairman Bang Si-hyuk,” Team Bunnies said in the press statement. “We are deeply concerned that such a hostile environment will not change.”

Fans also pointed out the members’ young ages — Minji and Hanni at 20, Danielle at 19, Haerin at 18, and Hyein at 16 — stressing that forcing them to stay in an unbearable work environment would be unjust.

“A seven-year contract is a significant portion of a K-pop idol’s life,” the fandom added. “It is cruel to trap these young artists in an agency they can no longer trust, especially when one of them is still a minor.”

The fans also criticized Ador’s alleged media play which they claim has harmed the group’s reputation.

“Just one day after NJZ's second anniversary, old training videos of the members were leaked to the local media outlet without their consent, causing them unnecessary harm,” Team Bunnies said.

Ultimately, the NJZ’s fandom argued that forcing the members to continue working under Ador would only prolong their suffering.

“Forcing them to work in a toxic environment will only extend their pain. Please allow them to pursue music in a safe and supportive setting,” the fandom said.

Meanwhile, major music production organizations have voiced concerns that the members' termination of their contracts with Ador could destabilize the industry.

Last month, five major groups — the Korea Management Association, Korea Entertainment Producers Association, Korea Music Label Industry Association, Korea Record Industry Association, and Korea Music Content Association — held a press conference to highlight the importance of contracts in the K-pop industry.

“A unilateral contract termination followed by independent activities by NewJeans undermines the credibility of exclusive contracts,” the organization said on Feb. 27. “This is an extremely dangerous move, and the legal system must determine the validity of these claims.”

The Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing of Ador's injunction case on March 7. The court is set to review additional documents until Friday before making a final decision.

Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10439937

 

[Selfmate]

Court hears NewJeans' claims against ADOR amid contract dispute

On the 14th, the hearing regarding the 'provisional injunction to maintain the status of the agency and prohibit the signing of advertising contracts' filed by ADOR, the largest entertainment company in South Korea under HYBE, against NewJeans (new activity name NJZ) will conclude.

Ahead of this, on the 12th, the fan club of NewJeans, Team Burnies, submitted a petition to the court, adding their support. Team Burnies urged the court to dismiss ADOR's injunction request, stating, "If we are forced into exclusive activities in a hostile environment where the trust has collapsed, it will only prolong the suffering of the members, and fans will not be able to enjoy the members' music and entertainment activities with joy."

ADOR filed for a provisional injunction against the members of NewJeans at the Seoul Central District Court in January this year. This is to ensure that ADOR is recognized as the agency under the exclusive contract until the first instance ruling on the 'confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract' filed in December of last year, and to prevent the members of NewJeans from independently engaging in any entertainment activities, including advertising shoots, without ADOR's approval or consent.

It is expected that the outcome of whether the provisional injunction will be granted or dismissed depends on whether the NewJeans side can clearly present evidence of ADOR's breach of the exclusive contract and the resulting irreversible collapse of trust, thereby convincing the court.

ChosunBiz summarized three key claims and grounds based on the oral argument materials for the provisional injunction submitted by NewJeans on the 7th.

① Supporting LE SSERAFIM, developing ILY: What about NewJeans?

NewJeans claims that ADOR discriminated against, demeaned, and attacked them. After HYBE acquired Min Hee-jin as the Chief Brand Officer (CBO), it was said that the first girl group under HYBE would be directed (produced) by her; however, it was reported that LE SSERAFIM debuted first through ADOR's subsidiary, Source Music.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that in the 2023 Weekly Music Industry Report, it was suggested that "it would be sufficient to discard New (NewJeans) and create a new structure." It was also emphasized that BELIFT Lab, under HYBE, secured a plan created by Min Hee-jin and presented ILY as an alternative, copying and plagiarizing their concept.

In the evidence sent on November 13 last year regarding the 'demand for correction of exclusive contract violations,' it was noted that the term 'NewR' refers to the female idol groups 'NewJeans, ILY, and LE SSERAFIM' that debuted under HYBE's label. It was claimed that the wording of NewR had caused distress for several days, suggesting that HYBE had decided to abandon NewJeans, which was cited as evidence of discrimination and exclusion, was omitted in this oral argument. It is interpreted as a precaution, knowing that the timing of the report's preparation was before the ILY debut on May 10, 2023, and that the media had grouped NewJeans, IVE, and LE SSERAFIM under the term 'NewR.'

Instead, the report presented the phrase, "While categorizing by grouping 'BLACKPINK-LE SSERAFIM-ESPA-IVE,' there is a need to bring a fundamentally different categorization," suggesting that, even in the so-called 'new structure,' LE SSERAFIM would be included while excluding NewJeans.

The 'ignore Hanni' incident was also brought up. On May 27, 2024, a BELIFT Lab manager allegedly told the ILY members in front of NewJeans member Hanni to 'ignore and pass by,' and the previous claim was reiterated that three ILY members passed without greeting her.

The evidence was a KakaoTalk conversation between Hanni and Min Hee-jin, with much page space devoted to the fact that the video of not greeting was deleted. However, the HYBE side stated that there was no deletion of closed-circuit TV (CCTV) footage and even presented a video in court showing three ILY members greeting Hanni and Daniel, leading to a truth dispute.

The NewJeans side also newly referenced that some ILY members mocked Hanni through words and actions, but did not present evidence regarding what specific mockery occurred.

② After removing the 'key figure' Min Hee-jin, a move to suppress?

ADOR unilaterally expelled Min Hee-jin, who was the foundation of NewJeans' entertainment activities and contributed to their unprecedented success, emphasizing that this itself constitutes a significant breach of management duties. It is claimed that following the change of ADOR's directors to HYBE executives on May 31, 2024, Min Hee-jin was isolated, and her dismissal as CEO on August 27 of that year ultimately led to her resignation (on November 20, 2024).

NewJeans and their parents have repeatedly demanded guarantees for Min Hee-jin's leadership and exclusive producer status; however, this was entirely disregarded, and since no alternatives were prepared, they attempted to effectively suspend activities for 1 year and 6 months. This is interpreted as HYBE mentioning the time required to recruit a Grammy-winning producer, suggesting that they were keeping the artist in limbo like storing items in a storeroom.

An article presented as evidence stated, "Isn't it HYBE's breach of trust to force a girl group, which has been active for less than three years, to take a level of rest equivalent to a military hiatus?" reflecting shareholder reactions from a stock community.

The NewJeans side stated that it is uncertain how much more time it will take to align with a new producer, and the success is also unclear. They appealed that NewJeans, now in their 4th year since debut, would inevitably be marginalized in the entertainment industry if they drag out unnecessary time.

③ Destruction of NewJeans' achievements → Collapse of trust

It was pointed out that ADOR's conflict with the production team, Dolphin Kidnappers, which produced several popular music videos for NewJeans, was also an intentional act to destroy NewJeans' achievements. The incident involved the deletion of the director's cut of 'ETA,' which Dolphin Kidnappers had released on their own YouTube channel as fan service for NewJeans, at the request of ADOR. NewJeans' 'ETA' music video garnered attention as it was filmed with Apple's iPhone 14 Pro.

NewJeans argued that ADOR deleted their achievements and destroyed the trust relationship with Shin Woo-seok, the head of Dolphin Kidnappers, with whom they had a friendly relationship right after Min Hee-jin's dismissal. They claimed that content postings had been agreed upon in advance but that after the change of representatives, ADOR took an extreme stance citing copyright infringement.

In response, ADOR stated that Dolphin Kidnappers had unilaterally uploaded the music video and raised objections, claiming that 'written consent' was necessary, and that there was also opposition from the advertiser (Apple).

Additionally, NewJeans presented evidence that HYBE belittled their achievements in Japan and conducted extensive media play with terms like 'gaslighting,' 'betrayal idol,' and 'NewFifty (NewJeans + Fifty Fifty)' just five days before their comeback, as further evidence of the destruction of trust that made it impossible to continue their contract with the agency.

Unlike a judgment, there is no separate announcement date for the provisional decision. However, considering the purpose of the provisional injunction is to determine a temporary status before the main ruling, the industry expects that a decision will be made around the 21st, a week after the conclusion of the hearing, or at the latest within this month.

NewJeans has announced the release of a new song on the 23rd. This is the debut song under their new activity name, NJZ. If the court grants ADOR's provisional injunction request, the members' plans will inevitably be halted. If the request is dismissed, they will be able to present their new song on stage in Hong Kong as scheduled, but legal battles are expected to continue with a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract scheduled for April 3.

The outcome of this lawsuit, including the provisional injunction, is expected to significantly affect the restructuring of the contract relationship between the agency and the artist, so the industry is paying close attention to the results.

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2025/03/14/WGYG36DOMJG7XBKLY7JX7OULCI/

 

[RandAlThor]

Court hears NewJeans' claims against ADOR amid contract dispute

On the 14th, the hearing regarding the 'provisional injunction to maintain the status of the agency and prohibit the signing of advertising contracts' filed by ADOR, the largest entertainment company in South Korea under HYBE, against NewJeans (new activity name NJZ) will conclude.

Ahead of this, on the 12th, the fan club of NewJeans, Team Burnies, submitted a petition to the court, adding their support. Team Burnies urged the court to dismiss ADOR's injunction request, stating, "If we are forced into exclusive activities in a hostile environment where the trust has collapsed, it will only prolong the suffering of the members, and fans will not be able to enjoy the members' music and entertainment activities with joy."

ADOR filed for a provisional injunction against the members of NewJeans at the Seoul Central District Court in January this year. This is to ensure that ADOR is recognized as the agency under the exclusive contract until the first instance ruling on the 'confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract' filed in December of last year, and to prevent the members of NewJeans from independently engaging in any entertainment activities, including advertising shoots, without ADOR's approval or consent.

It is expected that the outcome of whether the provisional injunction will be granted or dismissed depends on whether the NewJeans side can clearly present evidence of ADOR's breach of the exclusive contract and the resulting irreversible collapse of trust, thereby convincing the court.

ChosunBiz summarized three key claims and grounds based on the oral argument materials for the provisional injunction submitted by NewJeans on the 7th.

① Supporting LE SSERAFIM, developing ILY: What about NewJeans?

NewJeans claims that ADOR discriminated against, demeaned, and attacked them. After HYBE acquired Min Hee-jin as the Chief Brand Officer (CBO), it was said that the first girl group under HYBE would be directed (produced) by her; however, it was reported that LE SSERAFIM debuted first through ADOR's subsidiary, Source Music.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that in the 2023 Weekly Music Industry Report, it was suggested that "it would be sufficient to discard New (NewJeans) and create a new structure." It was also emphasized that BELIFT Lab, under HYBE, secured a plan created by Min Hee-jin and presented ILY as an alternative, copying and plagiarizing their concept.

In the evidence sent on November 13 last year regarding the 'demand for correction of exclusive contract violations,' it was noted that the term 'NewR' refers to the female idol groups 'NewJeans, ILY, and LE SSERAFIM' that debuted under HYBE's label. It was claimed that the wording of NewR had caused distress for several days, suggesting that HYBE had decided to abandon NewJeans, which was cited as evidence of discrimination and exclusion, was omitted in this oral argument. It is interpreted as a precaution, knowing that the timing of the report's preparation was before the ILY debut on May 10, 2023, and that the media had grouped NewJeans, IVE, and LE SSERAFIM under the term 'NewR.'

Instead, the report presented the phrase, "While categorizing by grouping 'BLACKPINK-LE SSERAFIM-ESPA-IVE,' there is a need to bring a fundamentally different categorization," suggesting that, even in the so-called 'new structure,' LE SSERAFIM would be included while excluding NewJeans.

The 'ignore Hanni' incident was also brought up. On May 27, 2024, a BELIFT Lab manager allegedly told the ILY members in front of NewJeans member Hanni to 'ignore and pass by,' and the previous claim was reiterated that three ILY members passed without greeting her.

The evidence was a KakaoTalk conversation between Hanni and Min Hee-jin, with much page space devoted to the fact that the video of not greeting was deleted. However, the HYBE side stated that there was no deletion of closed-circuit TV (CCTV) footage and even presented a video in court showing three ILY members greeting Hanni and Daniel, leading to a truth dispute.

The NewJeans side also newly referenced that some ILY members mocked Hanni through words and actions, but did not present evidence regarding what specific mockery occurred.

② After removing the 'key figure' Min Hee-jin, a move to suppress?

ADOR unilaterally expelled Min Hee-jin, who was the foundation of NewJeans' entertainment activities and contributed to their unprecedented success, emphasizing that this itself constitutes a significant breach of management duties. It is claimed that following the change of ADOR's directors to HYBE executives on May 31, 2024, Min Hee-jin was isolated, and her dismissal as CEO on August 27 of that year ultimately led to her resignation (on November 20, 2024).

NewJeans and their parents have repeatedly demanded guarantees for Min Hee-jin's leadership and exclusive producer status; however, this was entirely disregarded, and since no alternatives were prepared, they attempted to effectively suspend activities for 1 year and 6 months. This is interpreted as HYBE mentioning the time required to recruit a Grammy-winning producer, suggesting that they were keeping the artist in limbo like storing items in a storeroom.

An article presented as evidence stated, "Isn't it HYBE's breach of trust to force a girl group, which has been active for less than three years, to take a level of rest equivalent to a military hiatus?" reflecting shareholder reactions from a stock community.

The NewJeans side stated that it is uncertain how much more time it will take to align with a new producer, and the success is also unclear. They appealed that NewJeans, now in their 4th year since debut, would inevitably be marginalized in the entertainment industry if they drag out unnecessary time.

③ Destruction of NewJeans' achievements → Collapse of trust

It was pointed out that ADOR's conflict with the production team, Dolphin Kidnappers, which produced several popular music videos for NewJeans, was also an intentional act to destroy NewJeans' achievements. The incident involved the deletion of the director's cut of 'ETA,' which Dolphin Kidnappers had released on their own YouTube channel as fan service for NewJeans, at the request of ADOR. NewJeans' 'ETA' music video garnered attention as it was filmed with Apple's iPhone 14 Pro.

NewJeans argued that ADOR deleted their achievements and destroyed the trust relationship with Shin Woo-seok, the head of Dolphin Kidnappers, with whom they had a friendly relationship right after Min Hee-jin's dismissal. They claimed that content postings had been agreed upon in advance but that after the change of representatives, ADOR took an extreme stance citing copyright infringement.

In response, ADOR stated that Dolphin Kidnappers had unilaterally uploaded the music video and raised objections, claiming that 'written consent' was necessary, and that there was also opposition from the advertiser (Apple).

Additionally, NewJeans presented evidence that HYBE belittled their achievements in Japan and conducted extensive media play with terms like 'gaslighting,' 'betrayal idol,' and 'NewFifty (NewJeans + Fifty Fifty)' just five days before their comeback, as further evidence of the destruction of trust that made it impossible to continue their contract with the agency.

Unlike a judgment, there is no separate announcement date for the provisional decision. However, considering the purpose of the provisional injunction is to determine a temporary status before the main ruling, the industry expects that a decision will be made around the 21st, a week after the conclusion of the hearing, or at the latest within this month.

NewJeans has announced the release of a new song on the 23rd. This is the debut song under their new activity name, NJZ. If the court grants ADOR's provisional injunction request, the members' plans will inevitably be halted. If the request is dismissed, they will be able to present their new song on stage in Hong Kong as scheduled, but legal battles are expected to continue with a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract scheduled for April 3.

The outcome of this lawsuit, including the provisional injunction, is expected to significantly affect the restructuring of the contract relationship between the agency and the artist, so the industry is paying close attention to the results.

Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2025/03/14/WGYG36DOMJG7XBKLY7JX7OULCI/

i do not think there is any way the song can come out out on the 23rd.. that injunction will have to be granted. Unless Ador's case is totally dead.

I do not think there is any way they will get new music out there until summer or later.
They would have been better off to take 18 months(worst case time if i under stand teh claim) with a new PD and full spin.

it all boils down to they want MJH and refuse to work with out her. i just do not see a path forward.

 

[Selfmate]

i do not think there is any way the song can come out out on the 23rd.. that injunction will have to be granted. Unless Ador's case is totally dead.

I do not think there is any way they will get new music out there until summer or later.
They would have been better off to take 18 months(worst case time if i under stand teh claim) with a new PD and full spin.

it all boils down to they want MJH and refuse to work with out her. i just do not see a path forward.

why they can still release a song however it could just be monetary damages instead of an outright "no you can never release music unless it's under ADOR"

 

[Selfmate]

Major Victory For Min Hee-Jin, Former ADOR CEO Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against Online Haters In NJZ Vs HYBE

This is a notable victory in Min Hee-Jin's feud with ADOR and HYBE in support of K-pop girls group NJZ, previously called NewJeans. Infact the executive is now expected to win more lawsuits against those who spearheaded spreading false and malicious claims against her when the legal battle started between the two sides.

In the wake of her ongoing feud with ADOR, former CEO Min Hee-Jin won a defamation lawsuit against malicious commenters. She is even set to receive a compensation for the same. This is one of the many legal actions the executive took against online defamers.

Min Hee-Jin's major victory
According to Korean media, Seoul Central District Court on March 19, ruled partially in favor of Min Hee-Jin. At least eight individuals were ordered to pay 50,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW (approx $34 to $68) each in damages. The ruling came through since neither side filed an appeal.

Min Hee-Jin Vs ADOR
This is a notable victory in her feud with the company in support of K-pop girls group NJZ, previously called NewJeans. Infact Min Hee-Jin is now expected to win more lawsuits against those who spearheaded spreading false and malicious claims against her.
HYBE had in April 2024, accused Min Hee-Jin of attempting to go break away ADOR from its parent company and acquire full managerial control. On the lines, she was attacked by online defamatory comments forcing her to file lawsuits against the commenters, seeking 3 million KWR per individual for psychological damages.

Min Hee-Jin was removed from her position as CEO of ADOR in August 2024. This was followed by NewJeans (NJZ) members terminating their exclusive contracts with ADOR. The company in response filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract. It asked for a court injunction to prevent NewJeans from independently signing endorsement deals or engaging in promotional activities without ADOR's approval.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/entert...ers-in-njz-newjeans-vs-hybe-article-119198893

 

[Selfmate]

Ex-ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin wins defamation case against online trolls amid ongoing legal battle with HYBE over NewJeans

Min Hee Jin secures legal victory against online defamers amid ongoing dispute with HYBE over NJZ’s contracts; first court hearing is set for April 3. Read more!

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has secured a legal victory in a defamation lawsuit against malicious commenters, marking a notable step in her fight to clear her name after months of controversy. As she continues her battle against HYBE over the management rights of ADOR and the contractual status of NJZ (formerly NewJeans), the outcome of this case has drawn attention to the legal war that has divided the K-pop industry.

On March 19, the Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict on a defamation case filed by Min Hee Jin against individuals who had posted derogatory and harmful remarks about her online. Presiding over the case, Judge Ahn Hyun Jin ruled partially in favor of Min Hee Jin, acknowledging the defamatory nature of certain comments and ordering eight individuals to pay financial compensation ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 KRW (approximately 34 to 68 USD) each.

With neither party filing an appeal, the ruling has now been finalized. This case is only one among several legal actions Min Hee Jin has taken against online defamers, and she is expected to win additional lawsuits targeting individuals who have spread false and malicious claims against her.

The defamation case traces back to the larger conflict between Min Hee Jin and HYBE, which erupted in April 2023 when she was accused of attempting to separate ADOR from its parent company and take full control of the label. The allegations triggered widespread public scrutiny, and following Min Hee Jin’s second press conference addressing the situation, online platforms were flooded with negative and defamatory comments targeting her. In response, she filed multiple lawsuits seeking legal accountability for the emotional distress and reputational damage caused by the online attacks.

Initially, Min Hee Jin sought 3 million KRW per individual in damages for psychological distress. However, the court decided to significantly reduce the compensation amount, distinguishing between outright defamatory comments and harsh opinions. 100,000 KRW penalty for particularly offensive comments containing explicit slurs, such as referring to her as "crazy" in a derogatory manner. 50,000 KRW penalty for comments containing violent language, including threats of physical harm or extreme insults. And no compensation for comments deemed harsh opinions rather than direct defamation, such as calling her “cunning.”

While the reduced financial penalties may seem minor, the ruling still establishes an important precedent in holding online commenters accountable for defamation, especially in high-profile celebrity disputes. Although she won the defamation case, Min Hee Jin remains deeply embroiled in an even larger battle with HYBE over the management rights of ADOR and the contracts of NJZ (formerly NewJeans).

In August 2023, Min Hee Jin was removed from her position as ADOR’s CEO following allegations that she attempted to take over the label from HYBE. The conflict escalated further on November 29, when the members of NJZ announced their intent to terminate their exclusive contracts with ADOR, a move that shocked the industry. In response to this situation, ADOR took legal action against NJZ, filing a lawsuit to confirm the legitimacy of their contracts and seeking an injunction that would prevent NJZ from promoting independently, signing endorsement deals, or engaging in activities outside of ADOR’s jurisdiction.

Despite these legal hurdles, NJZ has continued to push forward. The group rebranded from NewJeans to NJZ and is now actively pursuing their career under this new identity. They have already lined up major events, including an appearance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong on March 23, where they are expected to debut new music. Moreover, with the first official court hearing for the NJZ contract dispute scheduled for April 3, the outcome of this legal battle could determine not only the future of NJZ as a group but also Min Hee Jin’s standing in the industry.

Source: https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertain...-legal-battle-with-hybe-over-newjeans-1378147

 

[LoveYooShaSha]

South Korean court has issued an injunction ruling that the members of NewJeans (now known as NJZ) must not engage in independent activities, including signing contracts for musical activities and advertising endorsements/CFs

NJZ(fka NewJeans) hv announced they plan to appeal n will also participate in Complexcon this weekend in Hong Kong.

As for the rest of the future, who rlly knows-i hv no idea!​

 

[catonkatonk]

NJZ(fka NewJeans) hv announced they plan to appeal n will also participate in Complexcon this weekend in Hong Kong.​

Genuinely laughing

Although that is so foolish
There is still the outside chance that they can win in the long run - but not if they break a court injunction!!!

 

[Selfmate]

Court Grants ADOR’s Injunction To Prohibit NewJeans From Independent Activities Under NJZ

The court has granted ADOR’s injunction request to prohibit the NewJeans members from carrying out independent activities under the name NJZ.

On March 21, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 50 ruled in favor of ADOR’s injunction request to prohibit NewJeans members from engaging in independent activities, including signing advertising contracts.

Previously, on November 28, 2024, NewJeans held an emergency press conference, announcing their decision to leave ADOR due to ADOR’s breach of contract and failure for rectification. They declared that their exclusive contract would be terminated as of November 29, 2024, and that they would pursue independent activities.

In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court in December to legally confirm the validity of its exclusive contracts with NewJeans. A month later, the agency also submitted an injunction request, asking the court to uphold its status as the group’s agency until a final ruling was made in the contract dispute and prevent the members of NewJeans from carrying out independent activities, including signing advertising contracts, without ADOR’s approval. The agency later expanded the request to prohibit them from engaging in any entertainment-related activities, including songwriting, composing, and singing.

Source: https://www.soompi.com/article/1731...ewjeans-from-independent-activities-under-njz

 

[Selfmate]

NJZ dealt blow as court sides with ADOR

The Seoul Central District Court ordered the members of K-pop group NewJeans to cease their independent activities and return to their agency, ADOR, dealing a blow to the group’s ongoing legal battle for independence. Following the ruling, ADOR thanked the court for its “wise decision," while the members said they'd appeal and fight.

The Seoul Central District Court granted an injunction filed by ADOR, siding with the label in a high-profile dispute that has captivated the Korean entertainment industry. The court concluded on Friday that the group’s termination of its exclusive contracts last November lacked sufficient legal basis, citing an absence of compelling evidence.

“There is insufficient evidence to support the claims made by the NewJeans members,” the court stated in its decision, which effectively halted the group’s self-managed activities under the name “NJZ.”

The label welcomed the ruling and reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its contractual obligations.

“With the court’s confirmation of our legal status as NewJeans’ agency, we commit to ensuring continued support for the members,” the company said in a statement.

The dispute began when the members of NewJeans — now referring to themselves as NJZ — announced the termination of their contracts with ADOR in November last year based on claims such as the unfair employment termination of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and the label's disruption of collaborations with other companies and advertisers.

But the court dismissed those arguments, ruling that Min’s ouster was not legally relevant to the group’s exclusive management.

“The contracts did not guarantee exclusive management by former CEO Min, and it remains unclear if that was a determining factor in the signing of the contracts,” the court said.

Regarding ADOR’s reported interference with external collaborations, the court found that internal disputes between the agency and third-party companies did not constitute a violation of its core contractual responsibilities.

“ADOR’s conflict with another company does not substantiate the claim that it breached a crucial obligation concerning the exclusive contracts,” the court said.

The court acknowledged ADOR’s efforts to meet its legal duties, noting that NewJeans’ contract termination would result in a significant financial setback for the company.

“The creditor [ADOR] has met most of its legal duties,” the court said. “The agency assumed significant risks in developing and supporting the group and would likely suffer substantial financial losses if the members were permitted to terminate their contracts less than two years after debuting.”

Despite the setback, NewJeans announced they would appeal the decision and continue to assert their claims in court.

“We regret the court’s ruling and will pursue an appeal, providing further evidence to support our position,” the members’ parents said in a joint statement posted on the @njz_pr Instagram account. “On April 3, the date for pleading, we will reaffirm that the termination of the members’ contracts was just.”

The members, however, added that they will proceed with their scheduled performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong’s “Complex Live!” concert on Sunday out of respect for the fans and staff involved in the event.


Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...Z-dealt-blow-as-court-sides-with-ADOR/2267518

 

[Selfmate]

ADOR Releases Official Statement Following Court Decision On NewJeans + NJZ Announces Plans To Appeal

Both ADOR and NJZ have released official statements following the court’s decision earlier today.

On March 21, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 50 ruled in favor of ADOR’s injunction request, prohibiting the NewJeans members from engaging in independent activities including signing advertising contracts.

Following the court’s decision, ADOR released an official statement as below:

Hello, this is ADOR.

We deeply appreciate the wise judgment of the court in the provisional injunction case.

As ADOR’s status as the agency of NewJeans has been legally confirmed, we will fulfill our responsibilities in supporting the artists moving forward.

We also plan to provide full on-site support to ensure that this weekend’s ComplexCon performance proceeds under the name of NewJeans, represented by ADOR.

ADOR sincerely hopes to meet with the artists soon and have an honest conversation.

We earnestly ask for your warm support and encouragement for NewJeans as they continue to grow together with ADOR.

Thank you.

The members of NJZ also released an official statement through the NJZ PR instagram account, announcing their plans to contest the court’s ruling.

Read the members’ full statement below:

Hello, this is NJZ.
Today, the court issued a provisional injunction decision. We, NJZ, respect the court’s decision. However, we believe that the decision did not sufficiently take into account the fact that the members’ trust in ADOR has been completely destroyed. Due to the nature of provisional measures, which must proceed quickly, the decision was made in about two weeks after the hearing on March 7, 2025, and as a result, there was not enough opportunity to fully explain all the specific facts to the court. Additionally, due to the asymmetry of information, ADOR and HYBE have access to all information regarding the members’ entertainment activities, while the members are in a situation where they must individually contact related parties to request information. There were also cases where many people could not cooperate due to the pressure and fear of retaliation that comes with being involved in a lawsuit.

Regarding today’s provisional injunction decision, we plan to dispute additional issues through the objection process, and in that process, we will supplement the explanatory materials as much as possible and contest the decision. Above all, until the point of terminating the exclusive contract, the members faithfully fulfilled the contract and did not commit any fault, while ADOR and HYBE, which stands behind it, continuously treated the members unfairly and discriminatively, destroying trust. We believe that it is only a matter of time before the truth becomes clear.

A provisional injunction is a temporary decision.
Between ADOR and the members, a main lawsuit to confirm the validity of the termination of the exclusive contract is also ongoing, and at the hearing scheduled for April 3, we will once again clarify that the contract was lawfully terminated. Unlike the provisional injunction process, in the main lawsuit, we can more freely utilize the civil litigation system to secure the necessary evidence, and through this, we expect to significantly strengthen the evidence supporting the members’ claims.

The members of NJZ are going through a difficult time, but as always, we are trying to overcome this situation calmly and resolutely, thinking of Bunnies and many of those who support NJZ. NJZ values our promises to fans above all else, and in order to communicate with fans with even greater joy, we will do our best in the remaining legal proceedings. As we have repeatedly stated before, we, NJZ, cannot continue to work with an agency that has insulted our character and belittled our achievements, regardless of monetary issues. Once again, we would like to state that the reason we are pursuing this lawsuit is to protect our values and rights.

Meanwhile, after much deliberation, we decided to participate in ComplexCon scheduled for March 23 to prevent causing unforeseen harm to fans who are looking forward to the concert and the many related parties involved.

We ask for your continued support and encouragement as you watch over us. Thank you.

Source: https://www.soompi.com/article/1731...ion-on-newjeans-njz-announces-plans-to-appeal

Original Source:

어도어 "재판부 판단에 감사, 뉴진스 홍콩 공연 지원할 것"

어도어와 전속계약 분쟁을 벌이고 있는 그룹 뉴진스가 독자적 활동을 해서는 안 된다는 법원 판단이 나온 가운데, 소속사 어도어가 예정돼 있던 이들의 홍콩 공연을 지원하기로 했다. 어도어는 21일 "가처분 재판부의 현명

n.news.naver.com

 

[Selfmate]

the question that I have after this injunction is what does that mean for both NJZ and Ador?

like njz members are injuncted (prevented) from independent activities but do they have to comply with Ador's activities - ie. if ador got them new variety shows or new cfs do they have to do those?

what if activities entered into during the limbo period (post termination) - do NJZ have to perform those - does Ador have the rights to negotiate on NJZ's behalf with respect to those or can Ador even see and view those contracts

what of the music they plan on releasing - can they and if so who gets the rights to them? can Ador seek and find out who the producers/writers etc are for the music...

and there's an appeal - what does that mean with the actual court case coming up in April - does the injunction remain in force until the appeal or does the injunction get put on hold

so many unanswered questions but I highly doubt we'd get an answer to them...

 

[Abeamus]

the question that I have after this injunction is what does that mean for both NJZ and Ador?

like njz members are injuncted (prevented) from independent activities but do they have to comply with Ador's activities - ie. if ador got them new variety shows or new cfs do they have to do those?

what if activities entered into during the limbo period (post termination) - do NJZ have to perform those - does Ador have the rights to negotiate on NJZ's behalf with respect to those or can Ador even see and view those contracts

what of the music they plan on releasing - can they and if so who gets the rights to them? can Ador seek and find out who the producers/writers etc are for the music...

and there's an appeal - what does that mean with the actual court case coming up in April - does the injunction remain in force until the appeal or does the injunction get put on hold

so many unanswered questions but I highly doubt we'd get an answer to them...

Ador has to sign off on all activities so they'd need to come to agreements on future activities which if Ador stops signing off on work maliciously then they'll get in trouble and if NewJeans refuses work then they'll be in trouble.