The girl group NewJeans attends a press conference regarding the termination of their exclusive contract, held on November 28 at Space Share Samsung Station Center in Gangnam, Seoul. From left: Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hanni, and Hyein. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – K-pop sensation NewJeans has officially notified their agency, ADOR, of the termination of their exclusive contract, sparking industry-wide discussion about their unprecedented approach in avoiding immediate legal action, such as a preliminary injunction.
Typically, disputes between artists and agencies in South Korea, as seen in recent cases involving LOONA’s Chuu or FIFTY FIFTY, begin with artists filing for a suspension of their contracts’ validity. However, NewJeans has opted for a direct contract termination, citing ADOR’s alleged breach of contractual obligations.
On November 29, NewJeans asserted that their exclusive contract is void, claiming the notification, signed by all five members, had been delivered to ADOR. This move shifts the burden of initiating legal proceedings onto ADOR if they wish to contest the termination.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal professionals emphasize that under South Korean law, contract termination generally becomes effective once one party communicates its intent to the other. Attorney Kim Tae-yeon from Taeyeon Law Office explained, “From NewJeans’ perspective, the contract is already terminated. If ADOR claims otherwise, they will need to pursue litigation to prove the contract remains valid.”
Attorney Roh Jong-eon from Jonjae Law Firm highlighted that South Korea’s Supreme Court allows contract termination in cases where trust has irreparably broken down, even if both parties share some level of fault. “Termination doesn’t solely hinge on severe breaches like embezzlement or abuse. As with divorce cases, mutual trust plays a key role,” he said.
K pop girl group NewJeans (Image courtesy of ADOR)
Strategic Move or Risk Management?
NewJeans’ decision to forgo an injunction surprised many. Filing for a preliminary injunction carries the risk of rejection, which could leave artists unable to work until the court resolves the matter. By handing the legal initiative to ADOR, NewJeans minimizes such risks while continuing their scheduled activities.
An unnamed attorney suggested this strategy was deliberate, ensuring that ADOR must “make the first move” in court. Another expert speculated that ADOR might hesitate to sue immediately, given that NewJeans is publicly committed to fulfilling their current obligations.
Despite the unusual circumstances, NewJeans’ actions set a new precedent for how K-pop artists may navigate disputes with their agencies in the future. For now, all eyes remain on ADOR’s next steps, as the legal and public implications of this conflict continue to unfold.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
