On April 9th, ADOR issued an official statement announcing an escalation in legal measures to safeguard NewJeans from a surge in harmful online content amidst ongoing legal conflicts with the band. In their statement labeled “Update on Legal Action Regarding Artist Rights Infringement (4.9),” ADOR stressed their continuous efforts in monitoring and addressing defamatory content since NewJeans’ inception. They have recently bolstered their resources and personnel in response to a significant increase in both the quantity and severity of attacks.
The company mentioned conducting real-time monitoring and evidence collection on various platforms like DC Inside, Ilgan Best, Nate Pann, FM Korea, Naver, Blind, Gaedrip, TheQoo, Ppomppu, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for posts spreading false information, making fun of members’ looks and nationalities, privacy breaches, and the use of derogatory language and insults.
ADOR confirmed that posts considered highly offensive and repetitive, bordering on criminal, are being formally reported as criminal complaints. Some have already been submitted to the Yongsan Police Station, with more to come. They also addressed the escalating concern of deepfake offenses and mentioned collaborating closely with law enforcement to address the creation and dissemination of manipulated videos featuring the members. One individual allegedly involved in such activities has been apprehended and handed over to the authorities, according to the statement.
The company made it clear that they will not entertain settlements or show any leniency and are committed to pursuing all legal options available to ensure offenders face appropriate consequences. Fans were urged to report infringements through the HYBE artist protection website, with ADOR acknowledging the significant support fan submissions have provided to their legal initiatives.
This announcement comes after a similar move by the Bunnies (NewJeans’ fanbase), who have taken legal action against defamatory posts as well. On the other hand, NewJeans is currently entangled in a contractual dispute with ADOR. Despite ADOR announcing the termination of the group’s contract last year due to alleged breaches, a court ruling granted ADOR an injunction to remain as NewJeans' management agency, preventing the group from entering independent advertising agreements.
Today at 2 p.m. KST, a court session is scheduled to address NewJeans’ objection to the injunction. Recently, the group cleared content from their NJZ Instagram account, which is now named "mhdhh," believed to represent members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, further indicating a pause in group activities.