The fate of girl group NewJeans remains uncertain following the failure of the second mediation session held on September 11th regarding the legal dispute over exclusive contracts between the group and Hybe Entertainment. The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to issue its final decision on October 30th.
The Seoul Central District Court’s 41st Civil Division (presided over by Judge Jung Ho-il) held the second mediation session at 1:30 p.m. on September 11th to consider Adore’s lawsuit to assert the validity of its exclusive contracts against the five NewJeans members. The closed-door mediation session ended after approximately 20 minutes, without reaching an agreement.
Accordingly, the court will hold its ruling session on October 30th.
While the NewJeans members did not attend the second mediation session, Minji and Danielle personally attended the first mediation session, held on the 14th of last month. At that point, the two merely apologized when asked, “What do you think of the possibility of mediation?” and “What conditions do you think are necessary to reach an agreement with Adore?” They simply replied, “I apologize.”
Meanwhile, The Seoul Central District Court’s 31st Criminal Division held final hearings for the lawsuit filed by HYBE against former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin to confirm the termination of the shareholders’ agreement, and the lawsuit filed by former CEO Min Hee-jin against HYBE to demand reimbursement for stock purchases related to put options. Former CEO Min Hee-jin appeared in person and in front of reporters for the first time in a long time.
Last November, NewJeans announced the termination of its contract, accusing its agency, Adore, of breach of trust. Adore filed a lawsuit against the members to confirm the validity of their exclusive contracts, as well as an injunction demanding that they maintain their promoter status and prevent them from signing advertising contracts. The court issued all injunctions, and NewJeans, now unable to pursue independent activities, temporarily suspended its activities after its Hong Kong concert.
Korean Netizens React:
Netizens’ opinions on the NewJeans case were again mixed. Some fans supported the members’ decision, commenting:
- I support NewJeans, fighting! Let’s win the case!
- NewJeans fighting! I’ll wait for you, support you, and save money.
- Anyway, those writing hate comments here haven’t bought an album and don’t care at all. Supporters are more supportive. NewJeans fighting!!
- Be strong, NewJeans! I hope you win so we can hear good music again.
- If the company is holding on like this, that’s reason enough to terminate the contract.
- Be strong, NewJeans! I’ll support you until the end!!
- Does HYBE think contracts are a game? If the company doesn’t fulfill its obligations, then it’s only natural that the contract will be terminated. Is it a contract of slavery for minors??? They fired the manager/producer who was proven innocent without a plan, and NewJeans was severely affected by the cancellation of their album scheduled for 2024 and concerts! All because of this failed company! Recently, Adore employees have been liking hateful comments about NewJeans? Is this what a company should do???
While others criticized Min Hee Jin’s decisions that have harmed the group’s future, they also pointed out that the members’ arrogant attitude may not play in their favor at the final decision on their exclusive contracts with Adore:
- I hope they disappear forever with the Fifty Fifty boys. Bae~ Zaichian~ Sayonara.
They’ll become a clear example of idols who disregard contracts just because they’re famous. - You idiots, it seems NewJeans no longer exists. At the height of their glory, they made a foolish mistake and fell.
- If mediation is rejected, the court will take a bad look at it.
- Did everything collapse because of Min Hee Jin???
- Meanwhile, Ms. Min, who brought it all up, is silent, huh? Haha.
- Min Hee-jin is the worst, but aren’t the NewJeans members on roughly the same level? The deeper you dig, the more flaws become apparent. Isn’t it time for fans to wake up?
- Ordinary teenagers… and even some in their twenties… with nothing but pride, wasting money playing around in failing companies run by parents and producers.
As the final session approaches, anticipation grows regarding the fate of the global popular girl group. Will the decision mark a new beginning or a painful disbandment? Until then, NewJeans will remain in a forced absence from the music scene.
