Seoul Court Issues Temporary Ban on NewJeans Activities Amid Ongoing Legal Dispute
In a recent development, the Seoul Central District Court has granted an injunction against members of NewJeans, preventing them from engaging in entertainment activities without the approval of their agency, ADOR. This ruling coincides with heightened tensions involving the girl group, their former CEO Min Hee-jin, and the parent company, HYBE.
The Implications of the Court Ruling
The court’s injunction effectively restricts the five members of NewJeans, who are in the midst of a rebranding to “NJZ, ” from participating in any entertainment projects, including advertising, without prior consent from ADOR. The ruling is rooted in the court’s assessment that there was inadequate evidence to support allegations that ADOR violated any contractual agreements or trust, which would warrant terminating the contract.
A central issue in this dispute revolves around an internal HYBE report, which Min Hee-jin and NJZ used as evidence of HYBE’s purported plans to “abandon” NewJeans in favor of supporting other groups. However, the court’s examination revealed a more nuanced narrative.
Analysis of the Internal Report
The court found that although the phrase “abandon NewJeans and start anew” appeared in the internal report, it was situated within a section discussing another group under HYBE, LE SSERAFIM. The context suggested that this statement was related to LE SSERAFIM’s challenges in achieving chart success compared to competing groups, highlighting a strategic rebranding rather than any notion of negligence towards NewJeans.
On the contrary, the report indicated that preparations for NewJeans’ comeback were actively being undertaken, emphasizing the team’s ongoing popularity. It stated, “It would be beneficial to generate buzz to regain public interest prior to NewJeans’ comeback, ” while also cautioning potential issues stemming from intensified competition, showcasing a dedicated focus on the group’s image.
NewJeans’ Popularity Amid Legal Challenges
Furthermore, a report from May 17, 2023, positioned NewJeans at the forefront of celebrity preference, securing 35% in surveys. This underscores the group’s necessity to uphold their favorable image and momentum in the industry, noting its pivotal role amidst rising competition.
Ultimately, the court concluded that there was no substantial indication that HYBE sought to withdraw its support for NewJeans or breached their exclusive contract. As a result, the NJZ members’ claims regarding the invalidation of their contract based on the disputed report were dismissed.
Response from NJZ
In light of the court’s ruling, NewJeans publicly expressed their respect for the decision while indicating their intent to file an objection. The group highlighted that their reasons for seeking to separate from ADOR extend beyond mere financial disagreements.
The first hearing concerning the main lawsuit over the validity of the exclusive contract is set to take place on April 3, 2025.
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