▲ (From L to R) Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hanni and Hyein -- the five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans, speak during a press conference in Gangnam, southern Seoul, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- ADOR, embroiled in a dispute with its girl group NewJeans over their exclusive contract, has asserted that the contract remains valid and has initiated legal proceedings.

 

ADOR announced on Friday that ​it had filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court on December 3, seeking confirmation of the exclusive contract's validity.

 

"We did not wish to resolve this matter through legal judgment," ADOR stated, "but felt compelled to ensure that the exclusive contract between the company and its artist is not terminated unilaterally based on one party's claims. This decision was made to provide clarity to the artist and other stakeholders involved."

 

▲ This file photo shows K-pop girl group NewJeans, as provided by their agency, ADOR. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

The move comes after NewJeans held a press conference on November 28, declaring that their exclusive contract would be terminated as of November 29.

 

 

The dispute signals a significant rift between the globally popular group and its agency, raising questions about the future of their collaboration.

 

▲ This image, provided by ADOR, shows the K-pop agency's new CEO Kim Ju-young. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

ADOR explained in a statement, "The K-pop industry has grown on the basis of healthy trust between artists and companies. We seek a clear judgment from the court to protect this foundation."

 

The agency expressed concern that NewJeans may misunderstand the contract as lawfully terminated and engage in entertainment activities that could violate the existing contract. 

 

"This could result in unexpected damages and confusion for industry stakeholders both domestically and internationally," ADOR stressed.

 

ADOR highlighted the unique characteristics of the K-pop industry, which require significant upfront support from agencies. 

 

"Such support is premised on a mutual agreement that the company and artist will grow together over a certain period. If this fundamental agreement is not upheld, the company’s long-term investments, made in good faith and trust, are rendered ineffective and irrecoverable... This would disrupt the virtuous cycle of growth driven by the hard work and dreams of many in this field," ADOR said.

 

 

Despite the legal dispute, ADOR reiterated its commitment to continuing its relationship with NewJeans. 

 

"Our stance to work with NewJeans remains unchanged. We believe in the importance of sincere discussions with the artists to resolve misunderstandings and will make every effort to do so," the agency concluded.

 

▲ Members of K-pop girl group NewJeans are seen in this undated file photo provided by ADOR. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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