Amid the ongoing dispute over the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR, NewJeans rejected the court's proposed settlement, drawing a line with ADOR. The differences between the positions of both sides continue.

On the 5th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Affairs Division 41 (Director General Jung Hoe-il) held the second hearing for the confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract filed by ADOR against NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, HAEIN). The members of NewJeans did not attend the trial.

On that day, NewJeans claimed that ADOR had failed to fulfill its duty of care and management contract regarding its artists. It also mentioned a meeting with the producer Hitchhiker, stating, "Simply finding a replaceable person is not all that management is about. Specific discussions that took place should be explained."

In response, ADOR pointed out, "NewJeans is retrospectively justifying the reasons for contract termination by adding more reasons," and added, "The individual reasons claimed by the defendant are unjust. We will submit a specific written response by the next hearing date."

The court wrapped up the trial by asking both sides once again about their willingness to settle. This was the same question posed during the first hearing held in March. The court said, "Last time, you said you had no intention, but I’m a bit disappointed, so from the court's perspective, I encourage discussions. Do you not wish to settle?" NewJeans responded, "We need to discuss this with our client, but the trust relationship has already collapsed. We've crossed the river we cannot return to."

However, ADOR stated, "If the court reaches a conclusion, I believe an agreement will be easily made afterward,” indicating that it was still willing to settle.

Meanwhile, prior to this trial, the court sided with ADOR regarding the preliminary injunction filed against NewJeans members to maintain the status of the agency and to prohibit the signing of advertising contracts.

The court accepted the injunction request, stating that NewJeans should not engage in independent activities without prior approval or consent from ADOR, and NewJeans' objection was also dismissed. Last month, the coercive measures requested by ADOR were accepted, and the court specified, "In case of violation, pay ADOR 1 billion won for each act of violation."

[Photo] OSEN DB

[OSEN]