Ador has filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to enforce NewJeans' contract after the K-pop group announced their departure last week. This legal action comes amid ongoing disputes between former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and Hybe.

Key developments in the dispute:

• Ador claims NewJeans cannot unilaterally terminate their contract, which runs until 2029
• Min Hee-jin denies orchestrating NewJeans' departure or attempting to spin off the business
• Min has filed defamation complaints against former Hybe executives and reporters, alleging communications law violations
• The Korea Management Association has expressed support for Ador's position

Ador's official statement emphasizes their aim to "protect trust-based relationships" in the K-pop industry and "preserve the foundation of the country's pop culture." The company seeks court clarification that their exclusive contract cannot be terminated based on one-sided claims.

In related developments, Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk faces scrutiny from the Financial Supervisory Service regarding alleged collusion with private equities before Hybe's 2020 IPO.

Background of the conflict:

• Dispute began with accusations against Min Hee-jin attempting to separate NewJeans from Ador
• Min countered that Hybe undermined NewJeans by debuting a similar group, Illit
• NewJeans members issued an ultimatum demanding Min's reinstatement after her departure
• The group announced their exit during a recent press conference

The situation remains ongoing, with NewJeans maintaining their desire to work with Min Hee-jin while legal proceedings unfold.

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