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(By Jeong Seung-min, MHN Sports) The relationship between K-pop sensation NewJeans and their agency ADOR has reached a boiling point, culminating in a legal battle over the validity of the group’s exclusive contract.

On December 5, ADOR issued an official statement defending the contract, asserting its ongoing validity and announcing legal action to resolve the matter.

ADOR Seeks Legal Confirmation of Contract Validity

According to ADOR, they filed a lawsuit on December 3 with the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the legal validity of their exclusive contract with NewJeans. The agency stated:

"We filed the lawsuit to establish the fact that the exclusive contract with NewJeans remains legally binding."

While expressing regret over the necessity of legal proceedings, ADOR emphasized the importance of ensuring that an exclusive contract cannot be arbitrarily terminated.

"We had no intention of resolving this matter through legal judgment. However, we believe it is essential to make clear to NewJeans and other stakeholders that an exclusive contract cannot be unilaterally nullified by one party’s claims alone."

Protecting the Foundations of K-pop

ADOR further highlighted the broader implications for the K-pop industry, emphasizing the trust and mutual commitment required between artists and agencies.

"The K-pop industry has thrived on the synergy between the artists’ talents and the agencies’ investments and support. The foundation of this trust-based industry must be preserved. If misunderstandings about the contract lead NewJeans to act in ways that violate the agreement, this could cause unforeseen harm and confusion among domestic and international stakeholders."

The agency reiterated its willingness to work with NewJeans but expressed frustration at the lack of communication:

"Despite repeated efforts from our staff to engage with the artists, we have not been able to secure an opportunity for dialogue. Nevertheless, we remain committed to resolving any misunderstandings and will continue to make every effort to restore trust."

NewJeans' Actions Leading to the Dispute

The dispute began on November 13, when NewJeans sent a formal notice to ADOR demanding that alleged breaches of their contract be corrected. The group set a 14-day deadline, warning that failure to comply would lead to the termination of their agreement.

On November 28, NewJeans held an emergency press conference in Seoul, where they announced their decision to end the contract effective midnight, November 29, citing ADOR’s failure to address their concerns.

ADOR’s Call for Industry Stability

In its statement, ADOR underscored the critical role of contracts in sustaining the K-pop industry’s rapid growth, arguing that any weakening of this structure could have detrimental effects.

"The K-pop industry depends on agencies’ upfront investments, which are made with trust and a long-term commitment in mind. If these contracts can be easily disregarded, it undermines the foundation of this industry, threatening the ecosystem of growth and support that has driven K-pop to global prominence."

A Plea for Resolution and Support

Concluding its statement, ADOR reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NewJeans and called for public understanding and patience as both parties work to navigate the conflict:

"We remain steadfast in our belief that NewJeans and ADOR can overcome this situation wisely. We ask for continued support from fans as we strive for a positive resolution."

NewJeans, ADOR lawsuit, K-pop legal disputes, exclusive contract controversy