On the 21st, NewJeans took to their social media account to state, "Today, there was a court injunction decision. We, NJZ, respect the court's decision," but added, "We believe the decision did not fully consider the complete breakdown of trust between the members and ADOR."
They continued, "We plan to contest the injunction decision through an objection procedure, addressing additional issues and supplementing evidence as much as possible. Despite fulfilling our contract obligations until the termination point, ADOR and HYBE have continuously treated the members unfairly, breaking trust. We believe the truth will soon become clear."
Regarding their participation in the upcoming Hong Kong Complex Concert on the 23rd, they stated, "After much deliberation, we have decided to participate to prevent unforeseen harm to fans and many stakeholders."
On this day, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) ruled in favor of ADOR's injunction against NewJeans, prohibiting independent activities or activities through a third-party agency. The court did not recognize any of NewJeans' claims for contract termination.
Previously, NewJeans announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR in a press conference last November, maintaining their stance that "the contract has been terminated."
ADOR maintains that the exclusive contract with NewJeans is valid until July 31, 2029. They filed a lawsuit in December to confirm the contract's validity and applied for an injunction in January to prohibit NewJeans from engaging in music and entertainment activities.
NewJeans' full statement:
Hello, this is NJZ.
Today, there was a court injunction decision. We, NJZ, respect the court's decision. However, we believe the decision did not fully consider the complete breakdown of trust between the members and ADOR. Due to the nature of urgent preservation measures, the decision was made about two weeks after the March 7, 2025, hearing, and we did not have sufficient opportunity to present all the facts to the court. Additionally, due to information asymmetry, ADOR and HYBE have all the information about the members' entertainment activities, while the members have to contact each stakeholder individually to request information. Many are unable to cooperate due to pressure and fear of retaliation.
We plan to contest the injunction decision through an objection procedure, addressing additional issues and supplementing evidence as much as possible. Despite fulfilling our contract obligations until the termination point, ADOR and HYBE have continuously treated the members unfairly, breaking trust. We believe the truth will soon become clear.
The injunction is a provisional decision.
A main lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract between ADOR and the members is also ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for April 3. We will once again clarify that the contract was lawfully terminated. Unlike the injunction procedure, we can more freely utilize civil litigation procedures to secure necessary evidence, which we expect will significantly bolster the members' claims.
NJZ members are going through a difficult time, but we are striving to overcome this situation calmly and composedly, thinking of the many who support Bunnies and NJZ. NJZ values promises with fans above all and is committed to the remaining legal proceedings to communicate with fans more joyfully. As we have repeatedly stated, we cannot continue with an agency that insults our character and belittles our achievements, regardless of financial issues. We are pursuing this lawsuit to protect our values and rights.
Meanwhile, we have decided to participate in the Complex Concert scheduled for March 23 to prevent unforeseen harm to fans and many stakeholders.
Please continue to watch over us and support us.
Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr