▲ This image, provided by ADOR, shows K-pop girl group NewJeans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- K-pop management giant ADOR has filed an injunction to prevent the five members of NewJeans, who are currently embroiled in a contractual dispute with the agency, from independently signing advertising deals.

 

ADOR announced on Monday that it had submitted a petition to the Seoul Central District Court last week, seeking a "preservation of agency status and prohibition on advertisement contracts."

 

The agency explained, "This request aims to affirm ADOR’s status as the management company under the exclusive contract until the first trial ruling on the 'Validity of Exclusive Contract' lawsuit filed on December 3rd. It also seeks to prevent NewJeans members from independently signing advertising contracts or engaging in advertising activities without ADOR's approval."

 

NewJeans members claim that the exclusive contract was terminated on Nov. 29 last year due to ADOR's alleged failure to fulfill its obligations. However, ADOR maintains that the contract remains valid and has filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of its validity.

 

ADOR stated, "The unilateral declaration of contract termination by NewJeans members has led them to independently approach advertisers and attempt to secure contracts. This injunction is necessary to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers."

 

▲ In this file photo, the five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans attend a press conference in Seoul on Nov. 28, 2024, to announce a decision to terminate their exclusive contracts with ADOR. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

 

In its petition, ADOR also highlighted concerns from the industry, stating that if unilateral termination of contracts and independent activities without due legal process become a precedent, it could deter investment in the entertainment sector and destabilize the foundation of the K-pop industry.

 

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NewJeans' entertainment activities, saying, "We have consistently provided all resources and infrastructure for NewJeans' activities and will continue to do so. We have received external proposals for various projects, including advertisements and events, and have internally planned this year's activities, including a full-length album release and fan meetings."

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