The entertainment industry is currently focused on the legal battle between ADOR, the agency behind the popular girl group NewJeans (NJZ), and the group itself. On March 7, representatives from both ADOR and NewJeans, including members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, attended a crucial court hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. This hearing addressed the injunction request filed by ADOR earlier this year. ADOR’s request seeks to legally confirm its position as NewJeans’ management agency and to prevent the members from engaging in individual advertising deals without ADOR’s consent.
During the session at the Seoul Central District Court’s 50th civil division, both sides presented their arguments, outlining their perspectives on the ongoing dispute.
ADOR’s Position: Investment and Support Behind NewJeans’ Success
Representing ADOR, legal representatives argued that NewJeans’ meteoric rise to fame is not solely attributable to the group’s inherent talent and hard work. They emphasized the crucial role of ADOR’s staff, stating,
“The success of NewJeans cannot be explained solely by the talents and the efforts of the group’s members. Behind their success is the effort of approximately 50 employees at ADOR, including stylists, music and video producers, choreographers, managers, etc, who devoted themselves to nurturing these artists since they were trainees. Also key to the group’s success was the full-fledged support of the plaintiff (ADOR).”
ADOR’s side highlighted the significant financial backing from HYBE Labels, noting an investment of 21 billion KRW (approximately $15 million USD) specifically for NewJeans’ launch. They detailed how this investment was channeled, explaining,
“In total, ADOR received an investment of 21 billion KRW (~ $15 million USD) from HYBE Labels during the launch of NewJeans. It was an unprecedented amount. Thanks to this investment, ADOR committed 10 billion KRW alone to the group’s debut promotions and marketing, which included the development and launch of a fan platform exclusively for NewJeans and their fans.”
Furthermore, ADOR’s legal team pointed out the benefits NewJeans received through their association with HYBE Labels, mentioning strategic promotional activities and branding efforts.
“NewJeans also took advantage of various intangible assets available to them through their association with HYBE Labels. Prior to their debut, NewJeans appeared in BTS’s music video. Their songs received continued promotions through challenges filmed with HYBE Labels artists. Since their debut, NewJeans was frequently referred to as the ‘younger sibling group of BTS’, per Min Hee Jin’s request.”
Addressing NewJeans’ request to terminate their contracts, ADOR’s representatives argued that the reasons provided were insufficient legally.
“The requests forwarded by the members of NewJeans cannot justify the unilateral termination of their exclusive contracts. In short, the defendants (NewJeans) are merely arguing, ‘HYBE does not like us,’ citing this as a valid reason for the termination of their contracts. They have not mentioned any of the common issues typically considered valid reasons for contractual terminations by artists, such as unfair treatment, unfulfilled payments, or restrictions on promotions. Simply claiming that they have lost trust in the company cannot be a legally acceptable reason for the termination of an exclusive contract.”
NewJeans’ Counter-Argument: Allegations of Discrimination and Plagiarism
In response, NewJeans’ legal team presented a contrasting narrative, outlining instances where they felt they were unfairly treated by HYBE Labels. They brought up several controversies that occurred between 2023 and 2024, stating,
“From 2023 through 2024, the defendants were involved in a number of controversial issues caused by HYBE Labels, including biased media play, ‘laying out a new game board after discarding New[Jeans]’, ILLIT’s plagiarism controversy, conflict with the video production team Dolphiners Films, and more. No other artists under HYBE Labels experienced any kind of treatment resembling the above.”
The representatives for NewJeans argued that the alleged discrimination began even before their debut, referencing promises made to Min Hee Jin, the producer behind NewJeans.
“The defendants experienced discrimination even before their debut. Producer Min Hee Jin was brought on after being promised that NJZ would debut bearing the title of ‘HYBE’s first girl group’. However, the group’s debut was then pushed back, and LE SSERAFIM debuted first.”
They further detailed an incident involving a luxury brand ambassadorship, claiming preferential treatment towards another HYBE group, Le SSERAFIM.
“Another example of discrimination involved member Haein, who was selected as an ambassador for a luxury brand shortly after debut. However, not long afterward, the brand chose to sign an ambassador contract with LE SSERAFIM. Upon requesting a clarification, the brand apologized, explaining that HYBE had contacted the brand first.”
A significant part of NewJeans’ argument revolved around the alleged plagiarism controversy involving HYBE’s newly debuted group, ILLIT. They claimed HYBE intentionally copied NewJeans’ concept and debut plan.
“HYBE attempted to replace the defendants with ILLIT. During this process, HYBE copied the NJZ’s debut plan proposal. An employee of HYBE even admitted to this. Every aspect of ILLIT’s creative branding, from the team’s structure, to their styling, and even their choreography resembles NJZ. The fans were the first to point this out. Then, when Min Hee Jin requested an explanation, she was instead hit with a high-degree audit and a lawsuit.”
It is important to note that prior to this legal escalation, the members of NewJeans had formally expressed their desire to terminate their exclusive contracts with ADOR on November 28, 2024.
