On July 24, the Seoul Central District Court (Civil Division 41) held the third hearing in ADOR’s lawsuit seeking to confirm the validity of its exclusive contracts with NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.
During a 30-minute presentation, ADOR’s legal team revealed portions of alleged KakaoTalk messages exchanged by Min Hee-jin, claiming she orchestrated the parents’ protest emails, coached their tone, and meticulously planned a long-term media campaign to justify the group’s departure.
They alleged that Min Hee-jin even coordinated the wording of the emails to match a specific parent’s sentiment, and that she created a list of seven talking points to drive public opinion against ADOR and HYBE. ADOR emphasized that this strategy was not a spontaneous protest but a carefully crafted operation spanning over seven months.
ADOR’s Core Claims
- Min Hee-jin was the “mastermind” behind NewJeans’ contract termination.
- NewJeans’ parents participated in a media campaign under her guidance.
- Live broadcasts and even Hanni’s National Assembly appearance were part of this strategy.
- Claims that HYBE had abandoned NewJeans were based on misinterpreted internal reports, and Min Hee-jin did not raise objections when they were first written 18 months ago.
ADOR also rejected accusations tied to the “ignore them” controversy involving an ILLIT manager, clarifying that CCTV footage was deleted after the usual 30-day period, not intentionally erased.
According to ADOR, they provided ample support for NewJeans and fulfilled all contractual obligations, stating, “There is no breach of trust on our side. The claim that HYBE abandoned NewJeans is a clear misrepresentation of facts.”
Earlier, ADOR won a court injunction preserving its management rights and prohibiting NewJeans from independent promotions or new advertisement deals without approval. The court warned that each breach could cost ₩1 billion (~$770,000) per member.
NewJeans’ Position
In contrast, NewJeans’ legal team argues that trust has irreparably broken down, citing management failures, ignored obligations, and a shift in ADOR’s corporate values after Min Hee-jin’s departure. They claim ADOR’s responses to complaints were vague and lacked substance, and that attempts to substitute Min Hee-jin as producer were symbolic at best.
They added that the contract termination was lawful and based on serious breaches, including failures to protect the artists and internal power struggles following HYBE’s consolidation of management.
Despite ADOR’s argument that NewJeans’ reasons for contract termination are inconsistent, the group maintains that the absence of trust and adequate support makes the continuation of the contract impossible.
As both sides gear up for the next phase of the trial, the rift between NewJeans and ADOR shows no signs of resolution.
Daum
