News Hybe/MHJ Civil War Megathread (45 Viewers)

[Selfmate]

Court to decide future of NewJeans, ADOR case after second mediation session fails

The prolonged and bitter dispute between NewJeans and its agency ADOR over the validity of the girl group’s exclusive contract is finally set to be resolved in court next month, after both sides failed to reach a settlement in mediation.

The Seoul Central District Court held a second mediation session on Thursday afternoon in a lawsuit filed by ADOR to confirm the validity of its contract with the five NewJeans members: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein. As with the first session held on Aug. 14, the two sides failed to reach an agreement. The court is scheduled to deliver a ruling on Oct. 30.

The dispute began in November last year when NewJeans claimed that ADOR had violated the terms of its contract and announced its intent to continue activities independently. ADOR filed a lawsuit asserting that the contract remains valid. Earlier in the proceedings, the court partially granted ADOR’s injunction request, restricting the members from pursuing independent activities pending a final decision.

At the heart of the case is whether the exclusive contract is still valid and whether legitimate grounds for termination exist.

ADOR argues that the contract remains in effect and that there are no grounds for termination, citing a 21 billion won ($15.1 million) investment from its parent company HYBE to support NewJeans and claims of transparent revenue settlement.

“The exclusive contract is built on a foundation of trust between business partners, and there is no situation that warrants the destruction of that trust,” ADOR stated.

NewJeans counters that the current leadership at ADOR — replaced by HYBE executives following the ouster of former CEO Min Hee-jin — no longer reflects the company it originally signed with.

“Trust has completely broken down over the course of this lengthy legal battle,” the group’s representatives said.

With both mediation attempts ending without a resolution, the case will now be decided by the court. The October ruling is expected to have major implications for NewJeans’ future activities and ADOR’s management trajectory.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...-after-second-mediation-session-fails/2396917

 

[Selfmate]

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin appears in court for stock dispute with HYBE

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin appeared in court Thursday to defend her case in a 26 billion won ($19 million) stock dispute with HYBE, marking her first public appearance in a courtroom since last year’s legal battle over NewJeans’ exclusive contract.

The Seoul Central District Court held a joint hearing on HYBE’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the termination of its shareholders’ agreement with Min and Min’s countersuit demanding payment for stock sales. Min underwent questioning, while HYBE Chief Legal Officer Jung Jin-soo testified as a witness.

In November, Min notified HYBE of her intent to exercise a put option. Under the agreement, she would be entitled to receive 13 times ADOR’s average operating profit over the previous two fiscal years, multiplied by her 75 percent equity stake.

ADOR recorded an operating loss of 4 billion won in 2022 and an operating profit of 33.5 billion won in 2023. Based on this calculation, Min’s payout would amount to about 26 billion won. She currently holds 573,160 shares, or 18 percent of ADOR.

HYBE argues, however, that it terminated the shareholders’ agreement in July 2023, nullifying Min’s right to exercise the put option.

Dispute tied to NewJeans lawsuit

The conflict between Min and HYBE escalated in April 2024, when HYBE initiated an audit against Min and other ADOR executives. It later expanded into the dispute over NewJeans’ exclusive contract.

Coincidentally, another division of the Seoul Central District Court held the second mediation session on Thursday in a separate case over the validity of NewJeans’ contract with ADOR. The mediation failed, and the court said it will deliver a ruling next month.

Earlier, the court issued an injunction prohibiting NewJeans members from engaging in independent activities without ADOR’s prior approval.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...-in-court-for-stock-dispute-with-HYBE/2397143

 

[RandAlThor]

soon

 

[Selfmate]

Min Hee-jin establishes new label: reports

Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin has officially launched a new entertainment company, marking her return to the industry a year after being dismissed from her previous post.

According to media reports on Friday, the producer and creative director of K-pop girl group NewJeans completed corporate registration for her new company, Ooak (One Of A Kind), on Oct. 16. The business scope includes artist management, album production and distribution, and event planning, signaling her intent to resume full-scale creative and production activities.

The company’s registered office is located near Garosu-gil in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, where a new building is reportedly under construction.

Min’s return comes as several legal disputes remain unresolved. She is currently engaged in litigation with Hybe over the termination of their shareholder agreement and put option rights, as well as a workplace harassment case with a former Ador employee.

The NewJeans members are also in an ongoing legal battle over the validity of their exclusive contracts with Ador.

NewJeans notified Ador of unilateral contract termination in November. Ador responded by filing a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the contracts’ validity, along with an injunction to preserve its producer status and prohibit the members from signing new advertising or entertainment contracts.

The court granted Ador’s injunction request, and it was upheld in subsequent appeals, meaning NewJeans members are currently barred from pursuing independent activities until a final ruling is issued.

The court’s verdict on the main Ador-Newjeans lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 30.

Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10600924

 

[Selfmate]

Ex-ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin starts new agency ooak

Min Hee-jin, the controversial producer of girl group NewJeans and former CEO of the quintet's agency ADOR, has founded her own agency named ooak, entertainment outlet SpoTV News reported Friday.

The new company, officially registered as a K-pop agency on Oct. 16, will lead businesses in celebrity management, music production and distribution, performance and event organization and brand management.

The company has capital assets of 30 million won ($21,000) and Min sits as a member of the board, according to the report. The office is located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, in southern Seoul.

This is the first time Min has made an official business move since leaving ADOR last year.

Onlookers suggest that, should the court side with the members of NewJeans, who are currently in a legal battle over whether their contract with ADOR can be nullified, in an upcoming hearing on Oct. 30, the members may join Min in ooak.

Others, however, wager that such a possibility is slim since a court injunction has been ordered blocking NewJeans members from carrying out activities separately from ADOR.

The group has not released an official song since the single “How Sweet” in May 2024.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...CEO-Min-Heejin-starts-new-agency-ooak/2428419

 

[RandAlThor]

So in week hopefully this will be done ish...
lets see MJH is a convicted 'abuser/ harasser' ofc she is appealing again and again...

 

[Selfmate]

So in week hopefully this will be done ish...
lets see MJH is a convicted 'abuser/ harasser' ofc she is appealing again and again...

done???? no no no I don't think either party will just accept the primary jduge's decision without at least one appeal

 

[RandAlThor]

done???? no no no I don't think either party will just accept the primary jduge's decision without at least one appeal

lol The law is such a game. But the lawyers and the judges always get paid.

 

[Selfmate]

lol The law is such a game. But the lawyers and the judges always get paid.

judges get paid by the state (country) unless you are implying they are paid a little something something on the side lol

lawyers well the law ain't cheap

 

[RandAlThor]

judges get paid by the state (country) unless you are implying they are paid a little something something on the side lol

lawyers well the law ain't cheap

i would seriously doubt there are many judges who do not get some kind of "in Kind" compensation even if it is just invites to parties, clubs, friends ect.
without taking cash directly.

many judges are politicians.

 

[Selfmate]

i would seriously doubt there are many judges who do not get some kind of "in Kind" compensation even if it is just invites to parties, clubs, friends ect.
without taking cash directly.

many judges are politicians.

interesting...

 

[Selfmate]

It would seem as if NJZ has lost (more better articles out soon I guess)

NewJeans Legal Battle Ends: Seoul Court Sides with ADOR

In a major development in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding K-pop sensation NewJeans, the Seoul court has ruled in favor of ADOR, upholding the validity of the group’s exclusive contract. The decision comes after months of high-profile mediation attempts, public controversy, and corporate maneuvering, effectively ending the most recent chapter of one of the K-pop industry’s most closely watched conflicts. According to the court, “It is difficult to view ADOR as having violated the exclusive contract merely by dismissing former CEO Min Hee-jin,” reinforcing the label’s legal standing and authority over the group.

The ruling follows the collapse of the second round of mediation on September 10, when negotiations between NewJeans and ADOR lasted only 20 minutes and yielded no resolution. The breakdown of talks pushed the case toward a decisive court judgment. The dispute intensified in August when ADOR removed all references to NewJeans—recently performing under the temporary name NJZ—from its official platforms.

The controversy traces back to the removal of Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s founding CEO and NewJeans’ creative director, in August 2024. Min’s departure ignited a series of events that included a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking NewJeans from proceeding under the NJZ name, public backlash from the group, and accusations of mismanagement, discriminatory treatment, and interference by staff from other HYBE subsidiaries. NewJeans publicly demanded Min’s reinstatement in a widely viewed livestream.

Since their debut in 2022, NewJeans has emerged as one of K-pop’s fastest-rising acts. Their 2023 EP Get Up debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, featuring hits such as “Ditto” and “Super Shy.” Despite the legal and managerial turmoil, the members have maintained a consistent message to fans: they remain committed to the NewJeans identity and their artistic vision. The court’s decision in favor of ADOR now legally affirms the label’s control over the group’s activities, providing clarity amid months of uncertainty.

Source: https://inmusicblog.com/newjeans-legal-battle-ends-seoul-court-sides-with-ador/

 

[Selfmate]

Breaking: Court Rules ADOR-NewJeans Exclusive Contract Valid

A court ruled in favor of entertainment agency ADOR in a dispute over exclusive contracts with girl group NewJeans.

Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 41 (Presiding Judge Jeong Hoe-il) announced on the 30th that it "confirmed the validity of the exclusive contract signed on April 21, 2022," in a lawsuit filed by ADOR against five NewJeans members seeking confirmation of the contract’s validity. The court ordered the NewJeans members to bear the litigation costs.

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/10/30/OAOC4LSQMJEUHNLCRLYWIJ5NOU/

 

[Selfmate]

NewJeans Responds To Court Verdict Ruling In Favor Of ADOR

They have shared their reaction to the verdict.

NewJeans have responded to the court verdict ruling in favor of ADOR regarding their exclusive contract.

In a statement shared by NewJeans’ legal counsel SHIN & KIM LLC on behalf of the members, they stated that they will immediately file for an appeal.

Today, the Seoul Central District Court shared their judgement in the lawsuit filed by ADOR, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract with [NewJeans]. The court ruled that the exclusive contract is to remain valid.

While the members respect the court’s decision, they maintain their stance that it is impossible to return to ADOR and continue regular entertainment activities with the company since the trust between the two parties has been completely broken. The members plan to immediately file for an appeal.

We hope that the appellate court will thoroughly review the facts of the case and the legal issues surrounding the termination of the exclusive contract and make a wise judgement.

— SHIN & KIM LLC

NewJeans’ statement through their legal counsel comes after the courts ruled in favor of ADOR just hours ago.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/newjeans-responds-court-verdict-ruling-in-favor-ador/
Original Source: https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20251030/132667223/1

 

[Selfmate]

South Korea’s largest K-pop agency gains $644 million in market value after court upholds NewJeans’ contract

South Korea’s largest K-pop agency Hybe added about $644 million in market value Thursday after a court reportedly ruled that girl group NewJeans’ contract with its sublabel ADOR remains valid.

Hybe shares gained as much as 7.12%, boosting its market capitalization by roughly 915 billion won ($644 million).

The court ruling means that NewJeans are still contractually bound with ADOR until 2029, having signed their contract in April 2022.

Hybe and its sublabels manage some of K-pop’s most popular names, including BTS, Seventeen, and LE SSERAFIM.

The ruling is the latest development in a yearlong legal battle that began when the five-member girl group sought to terminate its contract with Hybe in November 2024, citing contract breaches by ADOR. The announcement wiped about $420 million from Hybe’s market cap at the time.

ADOR then filed a lawsuit against the group in December, seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract.

The case stemmed from a conflict in April 2024 when Hybe accused then ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of attempting to take the sublabel independent.

Min denied the allegations and accused Hybe of copying NewJeans’ concept for another girl band under a different Hybe subsidiary.

She resigned as ADOR CEO in August 2024, but remained as a company director before resigning from that position on Nov. 20 as well.

NewJeans became one of K-pop’s most popular acts when it debuted in 2022, winning numerous domestic accolades and earning spots on 10 Billboard charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard 200, and Billboard Global 200.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/30/newjeans-contract-ruling-valid-hybe-gains-almost-630-million-.html

 

[Selfmate]

NewJeans have failed to escape ADOR.

1. Min Hee-jin dismissal= Management vacuum?

The court first stated regarding the defendant's (NewJeans) claim, "It is difficult to conclude that a management vacuum occurred based solely on the fact that CEO Min Hee-jin was dismissed."

It judged that merely the defendants having high trust in Min Hee-jin is not sufficient to consider guaranteeing Min Hee-jin as CEO as a major obligation under the exclusive contract.

It also pointed out that even after Min Hee-jin was dismissed from the CEO position, she was in a position to perform producer duties as an internal director.

The court stated, "The exclusive contract in this case does not explicitly state that a specific person, Min Hee-jin, must necessarily perform management duties as the CEO."

It continued, "ADOR had proposed a contract to re-delegate producing work to Min Hee-jin," and revealed, "However, Min Hee-jin refused that proposal."

The court explained, "ADOR pursued the reappointment of Min Hee-jin as an internal director even afterwards. However, Min Hee-jin voluntarily resigned," and stated, "It is difficult to view ADOR as having unilaterally destroyed the trust relationship."

2. HYBE's management performance capability

The defendant side claimed, "ADOR failed to fulfill its management obligations after Min Hee-jin's dismissal." The court stated regarding this, "It is difficult to accept."

The court said, "ADOR's inability to secure a producer for several months after Min Hee-jin's dismissal was a process of waiting for Min Hee-jin's cooperation."

It continued, "Even during that period, it continued management tasks such as album production, performance preparation, world tour plan establishment, and advertisement shooting planning provision," and dismissed the claim.

3. Min Hee-jin audit and dismissal procedure is,legitimate

The court also explicitly stated regarding the 'legitimacy of the Min Hee-jin dismissal process,' which was one of the core issues of the judgment, "It is difficult to view this matter as a result of an unfair audit."

It directly cited the KakaoTalk conversation content between Min Hee-jin and former ADOR Vice President Lee Sang-woo as evidence. As the free evaluation of evidence principle applies in civil lawsuits, KakaoTalk conversations were also considered legitimate evidence.

Min Hee-jin's intention for independence was revealed in the messenger conversation. In February last year, when the Vice President said, "They (HYBE) suffer, and we gain freedom," Min Hee-jin responded, "That would be good."

In a conversation the following month, she mentioned, "Plan changed, moving up the timing. We don't talk about the media here. We will file a public opinion lawsuit. We'll blow it up after seeing the response."

The court pointed out, "Min Hee-jin had the intention to separate ADOR, including NewJeans, from HYBE and had prepared in advance for a public opinion campaign and lawsuit."

It also cited a KakaoTalk message where Min Hee-jin prepared in advance for a Fair Trade Commission report on April 20 last year.

Min Hee-jin said, "The mothers must file a report with the Fair Trade Commission and even make an announcement. Pushing out HYBE albums is not important; informing the public is important."

Regarding this, it judged, "There were also public opinion formation acts involving contacting investors and using the members' parents," and "These acts are sufficient grounds for ADOR to initiate an audit."

The court stated, "There are sufficient circumstances to view that Min Hee-jin had the intention to take NewJeans and become independent," and pointed out that "ADOR's initiation of the audit was a response to this plan."

4. Dispatch' trainee image/videos = Trust breakdown?

It was also judged that the trainee-era videos from SOURCE MUSIC released by 'Dispatch' cannot be a cause for trust breakdown. The court said, "In fact, two videos were deleted, and blurring was applied."

"Considering that HYBE additionally selected companies for taking measures against posts of NewJeans' trainee photos and videos, sent an email to SOURCE MUSIC requesting an explanation of the circumstances, and sent an official letter to Dispatch, it is difficult to view that the plaintiff failed to take necessary measures."

5. NewJeans achievement disparagement?

Regarding the claim that a HYBE PR employee disparaged achievements to a reporter, it said, "It is difficult to conclusively determine it as NewJeans disparagement, as it went beyond correcting factual relationships underlying HYBE and its stock price."

At the time, the reporter reported that NewJeans' Japanese debut album sold 1 million copies. This was an erroneous report, and HYBE explained, "If incorrect information is left as is, it could cause confusion for investors, so we requested a correction."

6. ILLIT plagiarized?

The claim of ILLIT plagiarism suspicions was also not recognized. It said, "Although some similarities are confirmed between NewJeans and ILLIT, it is difficult to view it as copying."

7. Hanni,ignore her?

The court pointed out that the initial 'ignore her' remark originated from Min Hee-jin. It viewed that "Min Hee-jin sent a message saying, 'Did all of ILLIT ignore you?' emphasizing the word 'ignore.'"

It also pointed out that Hanni did not accurately describe the situation at the time. It said, "According to the CCTV, it is confirmed that the ILLIT members bowed their waists and greeted Hanni. Based solely on the submitted evidence, it is difficult to recognize that she heard remarks infringing on her personality rights."

8. Dolphin Kidnapping Groups

It also viewed HYBE's request to the Dolphin Abduction Unit to delete the NewJeans 'ETA Director's Cut' video was legitimate. It pointed out, "According to the consignment service contract content, it cannot be posted without HYBE's prior consent. Nevertheless, it was posted by the Dolphinners"

"It appears that the plaintiff's action against the Dolphin was an exercise of rights according to the consignment service contract. It is difficult to view it as a violation of an important exclusive contract."

9. Album pushing out

It explicitly stated that it was Min Hee-jin's means of political strife. It revealed, "Based solely on the submitted evidence, it is difficult to view that a pushing out unfavorable to NewJeans was executed. Min Hee-jin only used it as a means to attack HYBE."

10. Discard the New and start a new game

NewJeans at the time fixated only on the phrase 'Discard the New and start a new game' in the report. However, the court judged that when looking at the report overall, there is no negative content about NewJeans.

It also questioned Min Hee-jin's actions. It pointed out, "Min Hee-jin, who was the CEO at the time, received the report but did not raise any objections."

It also mentioned that HYBE invested 21 billion won in NewJeans. It added, "It is also difficult to comprehend abandoning NewJeans and focusing on other idols."

The court stated in its ruling, "It is difficult to view ADOR as having breached major obligations of the exclusive contract. The trust relationship breakdown claimed by the defendants also cannot be recognized," and judged that "the claim for exclusive contract termination is without reason."

The exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR remains valid. With this ruling, ADOR has secured a legal basis to put a brake on NewJeans' independent activities.

Source: https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2334279

 

[Selfmate]

ADOR issues statement following court ruling on NewJeans contract dispute

On October 30, ADOR released a statement following a favorable court ruling in their lawsuit to confirm the validity of exclusive contracts with NewJeans.

The Seoul Central District Court’s 41st Civil Division ruled in favor of ADOR, affirming that the exclusive contracts between the agency and the artists remain legally binding.

In the statement, ADOR emphasized that the court found the agency did not violate any obligations as a management company, and that attempts by the artists to terminate the contracts on the grounds of a breakdown in trust were not justified.

“Today, the court ruled that the exclusive contracts between our company and our artists NewJeans remain valid. The court determined that our company did not violate any obligations as a management agency and that any attempt to break away from the exclusive contracts by citing a breakdown in trust should not be permitted. We are deeply grateful for the court’s decision,” the statement read.

The agency noted that since the artists sought to terminate their contracts in November of last year, they have carefully followed all legal proceedings, including the main lawsuit to confirm contract validity, injunction applications, and appeals throughout the past year.

“For nearly a year, the court has consistently ruled in multiple related cases that our company holds the position of management agency under the exclusive contracts and that the artists are to carry out entertainment activities with us,” ADOR said.

The company expressed hope that the ruling will encourage the artists to reconsider the situation calmly and reaffirmed its commitment to its responsibilities under the contracts. ADOR also confirmed preparations for future activities, including the release of a full-length album, and promised to work closely with the artists to return to fans as soon as possible.

Source: https://www.allkpop.com/article/202...ing-court-ruling-on-newjeans-contract-dispute

 

[RandAlThor]

NewJeans have failed to escape ADOR.

1. Min Hee-jin dismissal= Management vacuum?

The court first stated regarding the defendant's (NewJeans) claim, "It is difficult to conclude that a management vacuum occurred based solely on the fact that CEO Min Hee-jin was dismissed."

It judged that merely the defendants having high trust in Min Hee-jin is not sufficient to consider guaranteeing Min Hee-jin as CEO as a major obligation under the exclusive contract.

It also pointed out that even after Min Hee-jin was dismissed from the CEO position, she was in a position to perform producer duties as an internal director.

The court stated, "The exclusive contract in this case does not explicitly state that a specific person, Min Hee-jin, must necessarily perform management duties as the CEO."

It continued, "ADOR had proposed a contract to re-delegate producing work to Min Hee-jin," and revealed, "However, Min Hee-jin refused that proposal."

The court explained, "ADOR pursued the reappointment of Min Hee-jin as an internal director even afterwards. However, Min Hee-jin voluntarily resigned," and stated, "It is difficult to view ADOR as having unilaterally destroyed the trust relationship."

2. HYBE's management performance capability

The defendant side claimed, "ADOR failed to fulfill its management obligations after Min Hee-jin's dismissal." The court stated regarding this, "It is difficult to accept."

The court said, "ADOR's inability to secure a producer for several months after Min Hee-jin's dismissal was a process of waiting for Min Hee-jin's cooperation."

It continued, "Even during that period, it continued management tasks such as album production, performance preparation, world tour plan establishment, and advertisement shooting planning provision," and dismissed the claim.

3. Min Hee-jin audit and dismissal procedure is,legitimate

The court also explicitly stated regarding the 'legitimacy of the Min Hee-jin dismissal process,' which was one of the core issues of the judgment, "It is difficult to view this matter as a result of an unfair audit."

It directly cited the KakaoTalk conversation content between Min Hee-jin and former ADOR Vice President Lee Sang-woo as evidence. As the free evaluation of evidence principle applies in civil lawsuits, KakaoTalk conversations were also considered legitimate evidence.

Min Hee-jin's intention for independence was revealed in the messenger conversation. In February last year, when the Vice President said, "They (HYBE) suffer, and we gain freedom," Min Hee-jin responded, "That would be good."

In a conversation the following month, she mentioned, "Plan changed, moving up the timing. We don't talk about the media here. We will file a public opinion lawsuit. We'll blow it up after seeing the response."

The court pointed out, "Min Hee-jin had the intention to separate ADOR, including NewJeans, from HYBE and had prepared in advance for a public opinion campaign and lawsuit."

It also cited a KakaoTalk message where Min Hee-jin prepared in advance for a Fair Trade Commission report on April 20 last year.

Min Hee-jin said, "The mothers must file a report with the Fair Trade Commission and even make an announcement. Pushing out HYBE albums is not important; informing the public is important."

Regarding this, it judged, "There were also public opinion formation acts involving contacting investors and using the members' parents," and "These acts are sufficient grounds for ADOR to initiate an audit."

The court stated, "There are sufficient circumstances to view that Min Hee-jin had the intention to take NewJeans and become independent," and pointed out that "ADOR's initiation of the audit was a response to this plan."

4. Dispatch' trainee image/videos = Trust breakdown?

It was also judged that the trainee-era videos from SOURCE MUSIC released by 'Dispatch' cannot be a cause for trust breakdown. The court said, "In fact, two videos were deleted, and blurring was applied."

"Considering that HYBE additionally selected companies for taking measures against posts of NewJeans' trainee photos and videos, sent an email to SOURCE MUSIC requesting an explanation of the circumstances, and sent an official letter to Dispatch, it is difficult to view that the plaintiff failed to take necessary measures."

5. NewJeans achievement disparagement?

Regarding the claim that a HYBE PR employee disparaged achievements to a reporter, it said, "It is difficult to conclusively determine it as NewJeans disparagement, as it went beyond correcting factual relationships underlying HYBE and its stock price."

At the time, the reporter reported that NewJeans' Japanese debut album sold 1 million copies. This was an erroneous report, and HYBE explained, "If incorrect information is left as is, it could cause confusion for investors, so we requested a correction."

6. ILLIT plagiarized?

The claim of ILLIT plagiarism suspicions was also not recognized. It said, "Although some similarities are confirmed between NewJeans and ILLIT, it is difficult to view it as copying."

7. Hanni,ignore her?

The court pointed out that the initial 'ignore her' remark originated from Min Hee-jin. It viewed that "Min Hee-jin sent a message saying, 'Did all of ILLIT ignore you?' emphasizing the word 'ignore.'"

It also pointed out that Hanni did not accurately describe the situation at the time. It said, "According to the CCTV, it is confirmed that the ILLIT members bowed their waists and greeted Hanni. Based solely on the submitted evidence, it is difficult to recognize that she heard remarks infringing on her personality rights."

8. Dolphin Kidnapping Groups

It also viewed HYBE's request to the Dolphin Abduction Unit to delete the NewJeans 'ETA Director's Cut' video was legitimate. It pointed out, "According to the consignment service contract content, it cannot be posted without HYBE's prior consent. Nevertheless, it was posted by the Dolphinners"

"It appears that the plaintiff's action against the Dolphin was an exercise of rights according to the consignment service contract. It is difficult to view it as a violation of an important exclusive contract."

9. Album pushing out

It explicitly stated that it was Min Hee-jin's means of political strife. It revealed, "Based solely on the submitted evidence, it is difficult to view that a pushing out unfavorable to NewJeans was executed. Min Hee-jin only used it as a means to attack HYBE."

10. Discard the New and start a new game

NewJeans at the time fixated only on the phrase 'Discard the New and start a new game' in the report. However, the court judged that when looking at the report overall, there is no negative content about NewJeans.

It also questioned Min Hee-jin's actions. It pointed out, "Min Hee-jin, who was the CEO at the time, received the report but did not raise any objections."

It also mentioned that HYBE invested 21 billion won in NewJeans. It added, "It is also difficult to comprehend abandoning NewJeans and focusing on other idols."

The court stated in its ruling, "It is difficult to view ADOR as having breached major obligations of the exclusive contract. The trust relationship breakdown claimed by the defendants also cannot be recognized," and judged that "the claim for exclusive contract termination is without reason."

The exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR remains valid. With this ruling, ADOR has secured a legal basis to put a brake on NewJeans' independent activities.

Source: https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2334279

ouch not a single point was even remotely considered valid.

 

[RandAlThor]

ADOR issues statement following court ruling on NewJeans contract dispute

On October 30, ADOR released a statement following a favorable court ruling in their lawsuit to confirm the validity of exclusive contracts with NewJeans.

The Seoul Central District Court’s 41st Civil Division ruled in favor of ADOR, affirming that the exclusive contracts between the agency and the artists remain legally binding.

In the statement, ADOR emphasized that the court found the agency did not violate any obligations as a management company, and that attempts by the artists to terminate the contracts on the grounds of a breakdown in trust were not justified.

“Today, the court ruled that the exclusive contracts between our company and our artists NewJeans remain valid. The court determined that our company did not violate any obligations as a management agency and that any attempt to break away from the exclusive contracts by citing a breakdown in trust should not be permitted. We are deeply grateful for the court’s decision,” the statement read.

The agency noted that since the artists sought to terminate their contracts in November of last year, they have carefully followed all legal proceedings, including the main lawsuit to confirm contract validity, injunction applications, and appeals throughout the past year.

“For nearly a year, the court has consistently ruled in multiple related cases that our company holds the position of management agency under the exclusive contracts and that the artists are to carry out entertainment activities with us,” ADOR said.

The company expressed hope that the ruling will encourage the artists to reconsider the situation calmly and reaffirmed its commitment to its responsibilities under the contracts. ADOR also confirmed preparations for future activities, including the release of a full-length album, and promised to work closely with the artists to return to fans as soon as possible.

Source: https://www.allkpop.com/article/202...ing-court-ruling-on-newjeans-contract-dispute

The crazy thing is with these entitled children and bat St crazy parents they are just clicking off years until 2029 unless they can file another suit and say that. Because the girls refused to do their job for x months teh contract is extended for that long.

 

[Selfmate]

ADOR Challenges Former CEO Min on Rejected NewJeans Claims

Former ADOR CEO Testifies on Director's Cut Video Dispute Amid Allegations of Favors to Dolphiners Films

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin attended as a witness in the lawsuit between NewJeans' agency ADOR and video production company Dolphiners Films. This marks the first time Min, who is separately involved in a lawsuit over put options, has directly participated in a related legal case.

Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 62 (Presiding Judge Lee Hyun-seok) held the third hearing on the 1.1 billion won damages lawsuit filed by ADOR against Dolphiners Films and music video director Shin Woo-seok on the 11th.

The trial stems from Dolphiners Films' August of last year release of the director’s cut video for NewJeans’ ‘ETA’ music video on its YouTube channel. At the time, ADOR questioned what authority Director Shin had to post NewJeans videos owned by the company on his channel. Director Shin suddenly deleted all NewJeans-related videos he had posted on another unofficial fandom channel he operated, the ‘Ban Hee-soo Channel’. Subsequently, Director Shin filed a criminal complaint, claiming that ADOR’s statement mentioning an "unauthorized release of the director’s cut" damaged his reputation, and ADOR filed a damages lawsuit against Dolphiners Films.

On that day, both sides engaged in intense debate over whether Director Shin had the authority to post the video and whether former CEO Min had provided special favors to Director Shin.

Former CEO Min attended as a witness requested by Director Shin’s side. He testified that the separate posting of the director’s cut of NewJeans’ ‘ETA’ music video by Director Shin was a matter agreed upon verbally. He also stated that it is generally accepted across the industry for music video directors to post completed works on their personal social media or websites.

In response, ADOR refuted Min’s claims by citing the previous ruling on the exclusive contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR. NewJeans had argued that ADOR violated the exclusive contract by causing disputes with Dolphiners Films and making further collaboration impossible. However, the court of first instance ruled, “There was no proof that Dolphiners Films had outstanding content production capabilities that would make it difficult to replace with other music video production companies,” and “It is difficult to conclude that ADOR violated significant obligations under the exclusive contract merely because there was a dispute with Dolphiners Films.”

Based on this, ADOR asked, “Are you aware that NewJeans’ claims were rejected at both the first and second instances of the preliminary injunction and the main trial, and this has been finalized?” Former CEO Min replied, “Yes.”

ADOR also asked, “The court ruled that the reasons for ADOR’s failure to fulfill obligations, as claimed by NewJeans, appear to be the result of prior work by former CEO Min, who thoroughly reviewed all materials between HYBE, ADOR, and NewJeans to find elements necessary for creating negative public opinion against HYBE and filing lawsuits. Are you aware of this content?” Former CEO Min avoided a direct answer, stating, “This trial is about whether Director Shin deserves to be held liable for damages.”

ADOR also raised suspicions that former CEO Min provided special favors to Dolphiners Films. During the year 2023, when Min was at ADOR, the company paid 3.3 billion won for the production of four music videos to Dolphiners Films, which accounted for 25% of the company’s annual revenue (approximately 13.2 billion won). ADOR stated, “Dolphiners Films had an operating profit of only around 700 million won in 2021, but under a stock purchase agreement with Kakao Entertainment, it needed to achieve cumulative operating profits of 18 billion won by 2026.” They questioned whether Min had directed excessive work and set high unit prices to help Dolphiners Films meet its target profits.

When asked if he was aware of the shareholder agreement details, former CEO Min replied, “I was not.” However, when asked if he had received the contract containing such details from Director Shin, he answered, “Yes.” Min explained, “I did not review it; I only passed it along. It was probably Deputy CEO A who reviewed it.”

Legal experts explained that stock purchase agreements typically include confidentiality clauses, preventing parties other than the signatories from knowing the contract details, and that failure to maintain confidentiality constitutes a breach. A source from the legal industry stated, “The fact that Dolphiners Films’ representative, Director Shin, shared the contract with Kakao Entertainment with a third party, former CEO Min, could lead to future controversies.”

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/11/11/FS6JEVOIFZBKJCFTJJ75J3LMTE/