In a recent court hearing, the members of NJZ (NewJeans) have made serious allegations against HYBE Corporation, claiming that the agency intentionally tried to damage their reputation. This development occurred during the first round of questioning in NJZ’s ongoing legal battle with ADOR, their current agency.
NJZ Members Attend Court Interrogation
On March 7, NJZ members were present at court for the initial interrogation session concerning their legal dispute with ADOR. The core of the legal conflict revolves around NJZ’s contractual status and ADOR’s claims that the group violated their contract by rebranding.
During the session, ADOR argued that NJZ’s significant success was primarily due to a substantial investment of ₩21.0 billion KRW (approximately $14.5 million USD) from HYBE into the group. However, NJZ countered with a serious accusation of their own, alleging that HYBE actively attempted to harm their public image.
Allegations of Reputation Damage
NJZ brought up a specific incident to support their claim of HYBE attempting to damage their reputation: the Jeju Air plane crash from last year. According to NJZ, the members wanted to wear memorial ribbons on stage in Japan to honor the victims. However, HYBE allegedly blocked this effort, citing potential issues with a Japanese broadcasting station.
NJZ stated in court,
“At the time, the members tried to wear memorial ribbons on stage in Japan, but HYBE blocked them, saying that it might cause an issue with the Japanese broadcasting station. However, after confirming with the Japanese broadcast station, they revealed there was no problem at all. Eventually, Hanni quickly made ribbons before going on stage.”
Adding to their claim, NJZ pointed out that other artists from HYBE were later seen wearing memorial ribbons. This, according to NJZ, highlighted a double standard and suggested malicious intent from HYBE.
NJZ argued,
“Afterward, we saw other artists from HYBE wearing memorial ribbons. If the debtors had listened to the creditors, we would have been a target of criticism. This is evidence that the creditors are damaging the debtor’s reputation behind their backs.”
This statement implies that NJZ believes HYBE’s actions were deliberately designed to create negative public perception towards them, while simultaneously allowing other HYBE artists to engage in similar acts of remembrance.
Ongoing Legal Dispute
The legal battle between ADOR and NJZ remains unresolved. ADOR is maintaining its stance that the contract with NJZ is valid and that NJZ has breached it through rebranding activities. NJZ’s recent accusations of HYBE attempting to damage their reputation add a new layer of complexity to this already tense legal situation. The court will need to consider these allegations as the case progresses.
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Source: isplus
