NewJeans’ Court Hearing Ends in Just 12 Minutes—"No Change in Circumstances"

The hearing for NewJeans’ objection to the injunction that prohibits the group from engaging in entertainment activities without the approval of their agency ADOR ended in just over 10 minutes.

Unlike the public hearing held on March 7, this session was conducted behind closed doors. Since the parties involved were not required to appear in person, only the legal representatives of both sides were present.

After the brief hearing, Hong Seung-myeon, attorney for ADOR, told reporters, “Yes, both sides simply stated their positions.” He added, “There have been no particular changes in circumstances since the injunction was granted.”

He further noted, “As it was a closed session, I can’t disclose the specific exchanges that took place.”

Meanwhile, NewJeans’ legal team declined to comment, stating, “We have nothing to say.”

Background: The Dispute and Injunction

On March 21, the court ruled in favor of ADOR’s injunction request to preserve its status as the exclusive management agency of NewJeans and to prohibit the group from signing commercial deals, including advertising, without agency approval.

The court rejected arguments made by NewJeans’ legal team, which included:

- Claims of favoritism within HYBE that allegedly marginalized NewJeans

- Concerns over a production void following the dismissal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin

- Accusations that HYBE and ADOR launched retaliatory audits against Min, fostering negative public opinion against NewJeans

- Testimony that a HYBE manager told member Hanni to “just ignore them”

- Allegations of concept plagiarism by HYBE’s other labels

The court found that these issues did not justify breaking the exclusive contract or prove that the trust between the parties had been irreparably damaged.

As a result, NewJeans is barred from all entertainment activities—including songwriting, performing, TV appearances, event participation, signing advertising deals, and any commercial activity as public figures—without prior approval from ADOR.

Appeal Process and Ongoing Lawsuit

NewJeans filed an objection to the injunction on the same day it was granted. In such cases, the party that loses a ruling may file an objection first, and if it is denied, only then can they file an appeal.

Separately, ADOR’s main lawsuit to validate the exclusivity of the contract officially began on April 3. The second hearing is scheduled for June 22.

During the first trial session, the court asked both sides about the possibility of settlement or mediation. ADOR responded that it “hopes for a settlement,” but NewJeans’ side was less optimistic, saying, “The defendants are not in the emotional or mental state to consider that right now.”

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