Newjeans (Njz), who previously declared himself “free agents”, hit a legal blockage in their search for independent activities. With the next performances and new musical outputs in sight, the Court’s latest decision triggered speculations spread in the sector on the next steps of the group.
Recently, the Soul Central District Court has accepted Ador’s request for an injunction that prohibits Newjeans from signing advertising contracts and conduct entertainment activities without the approval of the agency.
The Court decided in favor of Ador, affirming: “On the basis of the topics and tests presented by the debtors (members of Newjeans), it is difficult to conclude that the creditor (Ador) has violated any critical contractual obligation or that mutual trust has been irreparably damaged to justify the termination of the contract.”
In November last year, the five members of Newjeans said that their exclusive contract with Ador had been canceled due to violations and started preparing for solo activities. However, Ador claimed that the contract remains valid until July 2029 and did not recognize the termination.
While both parties have turned to legal proceedings, the Court’s sentence now prevents members from pursuing independent music careers without Adr’s involvement – at least until a final verdict is rendered in the main cause.
On March 23, Newjeans is intended for the title of Complex Music Festival at Asiaworld-Expo in Hong Kong. While the concert will go on as expected, the new song initially scheduled to be published on that day should be delayed or canceled.
According to the Court’s decision, all activities including songwriting, composition, registration, shows, transmission apparitions, advertising negotiations and commercial initiatives must be approved by Ador. Any independent entertainment activity without this consent is now legally limited.
The Hong Kong phase will proceed under the name “Newjeans” under Ador. According to reports, Ador sent the staff in the position and declared: “Since we have legally confirmed our Newjeans agency status, we will fulfill our responsibility to support the artists. Complexcon’s imminent performance will be fully supported under the Ador label.”
Following the Hong Kong event, it is very likely that Newjeans will not be able to carry out further activities until a new legal judgment is issued. Despite the injunction, the group reiterated their position of not wanting to return to Ador. They also requested a brand on their recently adopted name “NJZ”.
In a statement after the court sentence, Newjeans said: “This decision did not fully consider the complete breakdown of trust between members and Ador.” They added: “We plan to challenge the decision through formal objection procedures, integrating the case with further evidence. In the end the truth will be clarified – it is only a matter of time.”
As a result, Newjeans should continue to contest the contract in the main cause to confirm the disability of their exclusive contract, with the next hearing scheduled for April 3. They are expected to reiterate their reluctance to return to Ador during the trial.
An insider in the sector commented: “Although nothing is still definitive, this judgment of the court has led some relief to companies and entertainment producers. However, given the complete relapse between Newjeans and Ador, many believe that it is unlikely that the group will resume the activities under the label.”
