On January 23, NewJeans announced through its Instagram account jeanzforfree “ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of our exclusive contract. The five of us have no plans to return to HYBE and ADOR,” signaling an impending legal battle.
The group explained the choice of Sejong as legal advisor: “They are already well aware of the issues involving HYBE and ADOR.” Notably, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin is also continuing her legal battle through Sejong.
NewJeans, Min Hee-jin and Sejong have reportedly been in communication for a long time, addressing key issues related to HYBE and ADOR together. For example, they discussed issues such as Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement as CEO and Hanni’s presence at an inspection of the National Assembly.
Dispatch attended the meetings on September 24 and October 8. On September 24, just one day before the deadline to apply for Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement, the members’ mothers met with Sejong’s lawyers at Min Hee-jin’s office in Yeonhui-dong.
(On September 11, during a live stream, NewJeans called for Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement within 14 days. September 24 was D-1 of that deadline.)
On October 8, Hanni met with Sejong’s lawyers to discuss his presence at the National Assembly inspection. After more than four hours of discussions involving Hanni, Min Hee-jin and the lawyers, Hanni announced the next day: “I will present myself to the inspection of the National Assembly, for the good of the deputies.“
In the entertainment industry, it is widely believed that “NewJeans and Min Hee-jin are essentially inseparable”. NewJeans has often acted as Min Hee-jin’s voice, even going so far as to call for her reinstatement.
The decision to appoint Sejong can also be seen as an extension of this relationship. Since September, NewJeans, Min Hee-jin, the members’ mothers and Sejong have collaborated closely. On January 23rd they officially began the legal battle to free themselves.
An entertainment industry insider told Dispatch: “Ultimately, it’s about how “NewJeans can’t work without Min Hee-jin.” If Min Hee-jin can find an investor, NewJeans is likely to follow.“
However, this raises concerns about allegations of tampering. Pre-arranged plans to separate an artist from their company could fall into this category, as the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR was still in effect during these discussions last September.
One legal expert observed: “The key turning points in this case involve the meetings between Min Hee-jin, NewJeans, the parents and the lawyers. This is why the processes of live streaming, inspection of the National Assembly, resignation and announcement of contract termination do not seem entirely innocent.”
NewJeans attributed the conflict to HYBE and ADOR, claiming: “Interferences, large and small, have continually occurred in the course of our activities. Threats to put our careers on hold were disguised as “extended vacations”.”
The group added: “Even after announcing the termination of our exclusive contract, we have attempted to complete the remaining programs and contracts as much as possible. However, seeing ADOR and HYBE causing harm through improper means, we have decided to remain silent no longer.”
Meanwhile, ADOR maintains that their exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid and has filed a lawsuit in the Seoul Central District Court to confirm its validity.
ADOR said: “The members are attempting independent entertainment endeavors, including applying for a new stage name, even before receiving a legal judgment. We believe this is regrettable as it constitutes a potential breach of contract.”