NewJeanshas officially terminated their contract with ADOR, citing the label’s breach of obligations. The decision, announced during an emergency press conference on November 28, has divided opinions, with some calling it a “smart legal move” while others view it as impulsive.
Why NewJeans Ended Their Contract
During the press conference, member Haerin emphasized that NewJeans should not be responsible for paying termination penalties, claiming the group upheld their commitments, while ADOR failed to meet its contractual obligations:
I’ve read several articles about penalties, but we have not violated our exclusive contract. We’ve worked hard and done our best so far, so we believe there’s no reason for us to pay any penalties.
— Haerin
In an official statement released on November 29, NewJeans reiterated their position, asserting that their decision was legal and well within their rights:
The five members hereby notify ADOR of the termination of our exclusive contracts as ADOR has violated the obligations under the contract and has not corrected them within the request period. The termination notice is per the contract, and we have all signed the termination document. The notice will take effect immediately after reaching ADOR on November 29, 2024. Thus, the exclusive contract will be invalid from that point on. With this, there is no reason to file an injunction to terminate the contract, and we can freely continue activities starting from November 29, 2024.
Additionally, the five of us have faithfully fulfilled our obligations under the contract. Because the termination of our contracts was due to ADOR’s breach of contract terminated our contracts, we are not obligated to pay a penalty.
— NewJeans
Legal Experts Weigh In
Former judge Lee Hyung Gon noted that NewJeans’ decision to bypass the traditional route of filing an injunction was strategic:
“Normally, celebrities will apply for provisional injunctions if they want to terminate their exclusive contracts. But if so, all their activities will be restricted until the court comes to a conclusion. NewJeans announced their termination without a lawsuit, making it a situation where ADOR has to file a lawsuit instead. This is a smart strategy.”
— NewJeans
Netizens React
The public remains split on the group’s approach:
Some labeled the move “entitled” and “impulsive,” questioning whether NewJeans fully considered the legal implications.
Others claimed that NewJeans would need to prove in court that ADOR has violated the terms of their exclusive contract to avoid paying penalty fees. Likewise, ADOR would need to prove that the company was not in breach of contract and/or that NewJeans violated the terms.
in their contract it was clearly stated that if ador breaches the contract, then newjeans are free to terminate it without paying any legal fees (and vice versa). since ador failed to correct all the violations (para 2) within 14-days deadline, newjeans are free to terminate it. pic.twitter.com/PLOUm5B3ur
in their contract it was clearly stated that if ador breaches the contract, then newjeans are free to terminate it without paying any legal fees (and vice versa). since ador failed to correct all the violations (para 2) within 14-days deadline, newjeans are free to terminate it. pic.twitter.com/PLOUm5B3ur
in their contract it was clearly stated that if ador breaches the contract, then newjeans are free to terminate it without paying any legal fees (and vice versa). since ador failed to correct all the violations (para 2) within 14-days deadline, newjeans are free to terminate it. pic.twitter.com/PLOUm5B3ur
Still, other netizens are expressing their wholehearted support for NewJeans’ choices and have argued that NewJeans’ decision was not impulsive but rather one that they believe has been backed by a legal team.
why do these weirdos act like newjeans didn’t have lawyers from the beginning of all this? the reason they are confident is because they know hybe broke the contract first 😭 like? pic.twitter.com/7JHrawUUUV
anyone from those three fandoms that says they know more about newjeans, exclusive contracts, and termination clauses — i guarantee you that they DO NOT KNOW JACK SHIT about newjeans, exclusive contracts and termination clauses. pic.twitter.com/X6x0izAAPr
The court has already specified that if third parties(e.g., parent company, other labels) interfere with NewJeans' entertainment activities and ADOR fails to take appropriate measures, NewJeans can terminate their exclusive contract. (Court Ruling Translation from @juantokki) https://t.co/XrHqK1Oyt7pic.twitter.com/WG6aY8z2t0
Whether the group’s strategy will hold up in court remains to be seen, but for now, NewJeans is moving forward independently. The case has ignited discussions about artist rights and corporate accountability in the entertainment industry.
What are your thoughts on NewJeans’ bold decision?
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