TL;DR OF TODAY'S INJUNCTION HEARING MARCH 7 KST

1. ADOR Attributes NewJeans’ Success to HYBE’s Investment

• ADOR argued that HYBE's financial and strategic backing was crucial to NewJeans’ success, including a 21 billion KRW investment and promotional efforts involving BTS and other HYBE artists.

• ADOR emphasized that the company’s employees dedicated themselves entirely to NewJeans, and that HYBE’s branding helped establish their reputation.

• The legal battle revolves around whether ADOR retains management rights over NewJeans, preventing them from conducting independent activities.

2. NewJeans Accuses HYBE of Discrimination

• NewJeans claimed that HYBE prioritized LE SSERAFIM (under Source Music) over them, despite initially marketing NewJeans as HYBE’s first girl group.

• They alleged that HYBE neglected them for months while focusing on LE SSERAFIM’s debut.

• The group also accused HYBE of blocking a brand ambassadorship opportunity for member Hyein, favoring LE SSERAFIM instead.

3. NewJeans Alleges HYBE Tried to Damage Their Reputation

• NewJeans linked their treatment by HYBE to past controversies, including HYBE’s mishandling of media narratives surrounding them.

• They accused HYBE of blocking their attempt to wear memorial ribbons for a Jeju Air tragedy in Japan, while allowing other HYBE artists to do so later, which could have led to public criticism of NewJeans.

• NewJeans argued that HYBE systematically undermined their public image while protecting its other groups.

4. ADOR Accuses Former CEO Min Hee-jin of Tampering

• ADOR alleged that Min Hee-jin was orchestrating NewJeans’ actions from behind the scenes, including manipulating evidence to frame HYBE negatively.

• They claimed Min told the members, “HYBE is trying to destroy you”, fueling misunderstandings between NewJeans and HYBE.

• ADOR argued that these misunderstandings would clear up if the members returned, and emphasized that the injunction would help them avoid financial penalties from contract termination.

5. CEO Kim Joo-young’s Emotional Appeal to NewJeans

• ADOR CEO Kim Joo-young made a direct plea to the court and NewJeans, stating, “I want to be with you” as justification for the injunction.

• He emotionally described how he edits their videos daily and watches them more than they see themselves.

• However, NewJeans members appeared visibly uncomfortable, exchanging glances and suppressing laughter in response.

6. ADOR Releases CCTV Footage to Disprove ‘Ignoring’ Incident

• ADOR presented CCTV footage and messenger conversations to refute allegations that ILLIT members ignored Hanni.

• They claimed that Hanni never used the term ‘ignore’ and that Min Hee-jin exaggerated the situation to create a conflict.

• As the evidence was shown in court, Hanni reportedly smiled and looked at Danielle, suggesting she did not view the situation as serious.

7. Legal Battle and Injunction Status

• November 28, 2023: NewJeans held a press conference declaring their contract terminated and began operating independently under NJZ.

• December 3, 2023: ADOR filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract (valid until July 31, 2029, according to ADOR).

• January 6, 2024: ADOR filed an injunction to prevent NewJeans from signing independent advertising deals.

• January 13, 2024: ADOR filed another injunction to preserve its status as NewJeans’ official agency.

• April 3, 2024: The court will hold the first trial regarding the contract’s validity.

Key Takeaways:

• ADOR is fighting to maintain its management rights over NewJeans, citing a legally binding contract.

• NewJeans argues HYBE mistreated and discriminated against them, favoring other groups like LE SSERAFIM.

• Both sides have presented evidence, including CCTV footage and chat logs, to support their claims.

• The legal outcome will determine whether NewJeans can continue independent activities as NJZ or must remain under ADOR’s contract.

This ongoing legal battle is one of the most high-profile disputes in K-pop, with significant implications for artist agency relationships and contract disputes in the industry.