The conflict between ADOR and NJZ (NewJeans) appears to be nearing a resolution as the court has sided with ADOR in the dispute. The Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 50 granted ADOR's injunction request on March 21, maintaining its position as the group's agency and preventing unauthorized advertising agreements involving the five NewJeans members.
Following this recent court decision, Korean internet users are examining the court's summary of the key disputes between ADOR and NewJeans. One netizen has condensed the main reasons supporting the court's ruling in favor of ADOR and shared them on a popular online platform.
Key points from the ruling include:
- ADOR's refusal to reinstate Min Hee Jin as CEO did not justify contract termination, as the agency had the capability to appoint a replacement producer, and the contract did not stipulate Min Hee Jin as the designated producer.
- The phrase "abandon the new and reorganize" in HYBE's music report did not indicate an intent to discard NewJeans but rather suggested a strategic approach regarding Source Music’s girl group, LE SSERAFIM.
- Allegations that ILLIT, a group under BELIFT LAB, aimed to replace NewJeans were inconclusive as there was insufficient evidence to support plagiarism claims.
- HYBE's bulk album sales strategy was found to be a corrective measure for factual inaccuracies affecting stock prices and not an intentional devaluation of NewJeans' achievements.
- Claims of disrespect towards NewJeans member Hanni by ILLIT's manager lacked concrete evidence and were deemed inconclusive based on CCTV footage.
- ADOR's disagreement with advertisement production company Dolphiners Films did not amount to a breach of its major contractual obligations.
The court's ruling in favor of ADOR, which prohibits NJZ's independent activities, has sparked reactions among Korean internet users.