On June 4, under the Korean Standard Time (KST), the Seoul Central District Court building hosted the second judicial hearing to ascertain the legitimacy of the exclusive agreement binding the members of NewJeans to their agency, ADOR. Absent from the courtroom on this occasion were the NewJeans members themselves, who were represented adeptly by their legal counsel.
When queried by the court's 41st civil division, "Does either party entertain any inclination for a settlement?", NewJeans, via their legal representative, responded poignantly, "The bond of trust has been irrevocably shattered. We have crossed the Rubicon, and there is no turning back." Conversely, ADOR's representatives responded with a touch of nonchalance, stating, "If the court rules on this matter, a settlement shall be forthcoming with minimal hassle."
During the hearing, NewJeans' legal team argued fervently, "ADOR has flagrantly breached its fundamental management duties as stipulated in the management contract. Following the expulsion of Min Hee Jin, ADOR underwent a sudden and radical shift in management, effectively stripping NewJeans of their autonomy. Despite repeated pleas for corrective measures, ADOR remained obstinate."
ADOR, on the other hand, countered, "In every hearing, NewJeans presents a new rationale for terminating their exclusive contracts. This pattern reveals a premeditated decision to sever ties, followed by a search for justifications."
NewJeans' legal representative then elaborated, "Scrutinizing ADOR's presented evidence, it is evident that it falls woefully short. ADOR asserts fulfillment of its management responsibilities by presenting a mere list of potential producers for NewJeans to collaborate with, which barely scratches the surface of their obligations. If ADOR did indeed meet with producer Hitchhiker, as alleged, they must disclose the nature of their discussions and the tangible outcomes of this encounter."
Meanwhile, the court has previously imposed a restriction on NewJeans, prohibiting them from engaging in any independent activities outside the purview of ADOR. Any violation of this order will incur a penalty of 1 billion KRW per member.
The third hearing in the legal battle between NewJeans and ADOR is slated for July 24.
