NewJeans Engages Top Legal Team Ahead of Contract Dispute Hearing with ADOR

K-pop girl group NewJeans, now rebranded as NJZ, has stepped up its legal defense ahead of a crucial court hearing with its former agency ADOR. According to South Korean legal sources, NewJeans submitted an official notice to appoint an additional legal representative just days before the second hearing scheduled over the dispute on the group’s exclusive contract.

On April 9, NewJeans appointed Park Hyung-nam, managing attorney at Law Firm Wooseung, who previously served as Chief Judge at the Seoul High Court and headed the Judicial Policy Research Institute. The move emphasizes the group’s intent to fight back in the ongoing case involving ADOR’s request to validate the legality and continuity of their exclusive contract.

In response, ADOR has fortified its legal team as well, enlisting notable representatives such as former Constitutional Court Justice Kang Il-won and attorney Chun Ji-sung, daughter of former Minister of Justice Chun Jung-bae.

The intensifying legal battle follows NewJeans’ decision last November to terminate their contract with ADOR, citing breaches of obligation. Since then, the group has continued solo activities under the new name NJZ.

In December, ADOR retaliated by filing a confirmation lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court to validate the existing exclusive contract with NewJeans. The court initially favored ADOR by granting their injunction request. However, NewJeans submitted an appeal on March 21, temporarily halting group activities.

As both sides double down on their legal teams, the K-pop industry, as well as fans globally, await the next chapter in what is shaping up to be one of the entertainment industry’s most high-stakes contractual showdowns.