https://isplus.com/article/view/isp202503070058
Mar 07 2025, 11:39 KST
The preliminary hearing for the injunction filed by ADOR against NewJeans (NJZ) members regarding the preservation of agency status and prohibition of advertising contract conclusions was held at the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of the 7th. NewJeans was seen entering the courthouse. Reporter Seo Byung-soo [email protected] /2025.03.07/
The group NewJeans (NJZ) claimed that HYBE intentionally tried to damage their reputation.
On the 7th at 10:30 AM, a hearing was held at Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 50 regarding the injunction filed by ADOR against all 5 NewJeans (NJZ) members to preserve agency status and prohibit advertising contract agreements. During the hearing, NewJeans (NJZ) mentioned the Jeju Air tragedy that occurred at Muan International Airport last December, stating "We almost became the target of criticism due to HYBE's scheme."
NewJeans (NJZ) explained, "At the time, the members wanted to wear memorial ribbons for their Japanese performance, but HYBE prevented it, saying 'Japanese broadcasters might take issue with it.' However, when we checked, we were informed that the Japanese broadcasters had no issues with it whatsoever," adding "In the end, Hanni hurriedly made memorial ribbons to wear on stage."
They continued, "Later, we discovered that HYBE's other artist appeared on stage wearing regular memorial ribbons. If we had listened to the creditor's words, we would have become the target of criticism. This is evidence that the creditors are damaging our reputation behind the scenes."
This injunction hearing is the first legal proceeding since NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR last November. ADOR filed the injunction in January to prevent the members from independently pursuing advertising contracts and activities.
At the time, ADOR stated, "It is regrettable that the members are attempting independent entertainment activities, such as soliciting new group names before receiving legal judgment, as this could constitute a serious breach of contract."
In response, the members countered, "Even after the termination of the exclusive contract, we wanted to complete our remaining schedules and contracts amicably without conflict, and hoped to avoid causing harm to stakeholders. Seeing ADOR and HYBE refusing to cooperate with our intentions and efforts, and causing harm to us and others through improper methods, we decided to no longer remain silent," adding "We will fight proudly in court to clearly reveal ADOR and HYBE's wrongdoings and reveal the truth through legal proceedings."
Subsequently, the NewJeans members changed their team name to 'NJZ', established official SNS accounts, and began independent activities. In March, they were listed in the lineup for 'Complex Live', a Hong Kong festival concert series, where they plan to debut new songs under the name NJZ. Both parties clashed intensely a day before the injunction hearing.