Renowned Lawyer Critiques NewJeans: “Disregarding Court Decisions and Making Anti-Korean Comments, It’s Time to Take Notice”

Lawyer Ko Sang-rok Critiques NewJeans’ TIME Magazine Interview

On March 23, attorney Ko Sang-rok, from the law firm Phil, formerly associated with Kim & Chang, raised significant concerns regarding a recent interview with K-pop group NewJeans featured in TIME magazine.

Ko, an advocate for NewJeans who has previously criticized HYBE during their first press event in September, expressed his dismay after the group’s foreign media interview that followed a legal ruling. He has often highlighted that a reputable company must respect artists beyond seeing them as mere commodities.

In a YouTube post, Ko remarked, “If they maintain such an attitude following the court’s decision, they risk facing substantial criticism for dishonesty, maligning fellow artists, and demonizing the very system they claim to challenge.”

He revealed, “From my experiences in industries like IT and law, it’s clear that even prominent entities like Samsung or Kim & Chang have challenges. However, criticisms should come from a place of gratitude, especially if one has benefitted from and navigated within these systems.”

Ko further emphasized the importance of respecting the efforts of those who laid the groundwork for current industries. He stated, “True reform requires adhering to fundamental values—honoring colleagues, showing respect to predecessors, and being prepared for self-sacrifice. If your commitment falters or your aim is merely to pursue personal gain, then at least adhere to your contracts and exit appropriately to start anew, as many have done, including myself. Even greats like Michael Jordan operate within larger frameworks, and no individual surpasses the foundational systems created by those before us.”

He questioned NewJeans’s methods, asserting, “One cannot claim to seek systemic improvement while resorting to insults, defamation, and demonization.”

Ko pointed to the group’s shifting alliances: “Initially, they allied with Min Hee-jin to criticize their parent company, then turned against others in the industry. Now they are dismissing the entire K-pop landscape, disregarding the court’s ruling and making disparaging remarks about Korean society. What will their next move be? With previous tactics—like ignoring contracts and legal action—failing, they sought refuge in the National Assembly. Now that this approach has also proven ineffective, they’ve turned to a prominent Western media outlet known for critiquing K-pop’s training system.”

He concluded, “The inconsistencies in their lawyer’s court submissions have exposed their untruths. An English interview in a foreign outlet won’t obscure the reality. They need to recognize the gravity of their statements. I hope for them to correct this misstep and embody at least a minimum level of integrity, allowing supporters like myself to continue offering help.”

Background on the Legal Dispute

Previously, NewJeans remarked, “We respect the court’s decision.” However, during their TIME interview, they expressed disappointment with the ruling.

On November 28, 2024, the NewJeans members held an emergency press conference, announcing their intent to terminate contracts with ADOR due to an alleged lack of protection from the agency. In response, ADOR initiated legal proceedings at the Seoul Central District Court to affirm the validity of those contracts.

On March 21, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR, granting an injunction that stated, “NewJeans must refrain from independent entertainment activities or engaging with third parties without ADOR’s prior consent.”

NewJeans Arrives in Hong Kong Amid Legal Battle with ADOR

The court also noted that NewJeans failed to provide compelling evidence of any serious breaches of duty by ADOR or that their trust had been irreparably damaged.

In their TIME interview, NewJeans stated, “While we were disappointed by the ruling, we never expected immediate changes in the K-pop industry. This situation is merely another step in our journey. The reality in Korea is complex, but it highlights the need for our evolution and growth. It seems Korea perceives us as potential revolutionaries.”

The next court hearing regarding the validity of NewJeans’s contracts is set for April 3.

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