On April 3, 2025, the Civil Division 41 of the Seoul Central District Court, under Judge Jeong Hoe Il, conducted the initial hearing concerning ADOR's legal action against NJZ (NewJeans) concerning the legitimacy of their exclusive contract. None of the group members were present during the hearing.
The main points of contention in the case center around three primary issues: the change in producer, alleged trust breakdown, and the validity of contract termination. The resignation of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin is a significant aspect of the dispute and has sparked intense disagreements.
ADOR's stance is that while they recognize Min Hee Jin's contribution to NewJeans, as a subsidiary of HYBE, they have the capability to introduce a new producer. They argue that preparations for a replacement should have been made if Min Hee Jin was to be removed.
NewJeans disputed the producer change process, asserting that ADOR should have arranged for a replacement if Min Hee Jin was leaving. They raised concerns about lack of communication regarding these changes.
Regarding the trust breakdown claim, NewJeans argued that internal changes and leadership shifts had eroded trust, making the contract termination valid. ADOR responded by highlighting NewJeans' successful event without Min Hee Jin's involvement.
The court acknowledged that the trust issue would need further examination, particularly given NewJeans' established success. The termination of the contract raised further contentious points, with NewJeans citing unaddressed corrective actions as grounds for contract termination.
As the hearing concluded, ADOR expressed readiness to settle, but NewJeans declined, citing emotional concerns. The next hearing is set for June 5, 2025, with ADOR expected to outline their producer support plans and NewJeans to present additional termination claim evidence.
Additionally, an injunction granted by the court on March 21, 2025, prohibited NewJeans from engaging in advertising contracts or related activities, leading them to halt activities after 'ComplexCon Hong Kong' on March 23, 2025.