[OSEN=Jang Woo-young] On the 29th, members of the group New Jeans announced that they would terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR at midnight, but this hasty press conference did not consider the legal battles that would ensue.
New Jeans members Kim Min-ji, Hanni Pham, Danielle Marsh, Kang Hye-rin, and Lee Hye-in held an emergency press conference on the 28th at the Galaxy Hall of Spaceshare in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, regarding the termination of their exclusive contract.
The five members stated, “New Jeans is an artist under ADOR, which has the obligation to protect us as a company. However, ADOR has neither the will nor the capability to do so. We believe it is a waste of time and a source of mental anguish to continue staying with the company. We see no benefit in doing so, and therefore, all five of us agree that there is no reason to remain,” adding, “We have repeatedly conveyed our requests, but ADOR’s responses have been insincere, leaving us drained and with a perception that there is no intention to address our demands. As no corrective actions have been taken, we will terminate the exclusive contract at midnight on the 29th.”
The members expressed, “We read news about penalties, but we have not violated the contract, and there’s no reason for us to pay penalties. ADOR and HYBE violated the contract, bringing about this situation, and they are responsible,” and “After midnight, we might not be able to use the name New Jeans temporarily, but the essence remains. We are not giving up the name, which holds meaning since our first meeting. We will strive to fully secure the rights to the New Jeans name.”
The members also stated, “We gained much courage from Director Min Hee-jin. Meeting her while working, she was always busy and surrounded by good people. She said she wanted to set a precedent, which was very encouraging. Making promises and honoring them is difficult, as one must take the initiative. Any resistance or obstacles might arise, but all five of us have decided to band together and enjoy this journey and challenge.”
Despite their announcement to terminate the contract at midnight, a heated legal battle is anticipated over the reasons for culpability. ADOR claims they supported New Jeans to the fullest, while the group claims disadvantages, indicating a prolonged confrontation.
If the injunction is granted, New Jeans may have to halt all activities except for current schedules until the main lawsuit is decided. If denied, the contract remains effective, and the contract termination lawsuit could take 3–5 years, making future activities uncertain. Even if the members win the lawsuit, using the group name New Jeans might be challenging as the trademark is held by ADOR.
New Jeans debuted in July 2022 and have about five years remaining on their contract. Depending on the legal recognition of the party at fault, termination penalties exceeding 400 billion won could be imposed.
The group announced their intent to terminate the contract while declaring, “We have worked hard and see no reason to pay penalties. ADOR and HYBE violated the contract, leading to this situation, and they are responsible,” and “We do not intend to give up the name New Jeans. We will continue our scheduled and contracted activities as planned.”
The responsibility for proving ADOR and HYBE’s contract breaches lies with New Jeans, as the companies will unlikely acknowledge or release them. Although a press conference was held without thorough preparation, in an attempt to gain public opinion, legal representation should be obtained.
New Jeans disclosed their plan to reveal the content of ADOR’s official communication on the 29th, with ADOR and HYBE yet to respond, leaving public opinion divided. The matter remains contentious, with supporters and critics on both sides.
Meanwhile, ADOR expressed regret regarding New Jeans’s press conference, resenting the lack of consultation despite the absence of a response to the official document. They claimed not to have breached any contract, stating, “The exclusive contract between ADOR and New Jeans is still valid. We ask for continued cooperation on future schedules just as before.”