The legal battle between Ador and NewJeans (now NJZ) intensified during a crucial injunction hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, where all five members appeared to address their contract dispute.

Ador, a Hybe subsidiary, seeks to prevent the group from performing and conducting business as NJZ. The injunction request now extends to all activities, including upcoming performances in Hong Kong and new music releases under the NJZ name.

Key points from the hearing:

• NJZ's legal team cited multiple alleged contractual violations by Ador, including the debut of Illit, which they claim overlaps with NewJeans' image
• Ador revealed investing $14.55 million (₩21 billion) in NewJeans
• Each member received approximately $3.50 million (₩5 billion) in profit-sharing compensation since their 2022 debut
• The group continues to secure partnerships with major brands like Calvin Klein despite the ongoing dispute

The court's decision on the injunction remains pending, with a separate hearing scheduled for April 3rd to determine the contract's validity. This case holds significant implications for the K-pop industry, particularly regarding contract termination precedents and agency-talent relationships.

The outcome could potentially reshape how artist contracts are handled in the K-pop sector, where long-term agreements and intense agency-talent dynamics are common. Industry observers note that normalizing unilateral contract terminations could create significant challenges for the industry's stability.

Related Articles

Previous Articles