Korean agency ADOR hopes NewJeans will resume activities after court decision
NewJeans performing in Manila in September last year (Jonathan Hicap)
Korean agency ADOR said it hopes that NewJeans will resume their activities after the girl group lost in their appeal to overturn a court decision banning them from pursuing independent activities without the former’s approval.
On June 17, the Seoul High Court dismissed NewJeans’ appeal, which sought to reverse a court decision accepting ADOR’s application for a preliminary injunction against the group’s quest to pursue independent activities.
“Considering the claims and explanatory materials of the NewJeans members and reviewing the records, we conclude that the injunction decision (banning independent activities) in this case is justified,” the Seoul High Court ruled, Korean media reported.
In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin, ADOR welcomed the decision.
“We sincerely appreciate the court’s decision,” the agency said.
ADOR said it is committed to fully supporting NewJeans, especially that their third debut anniversary is approaching.
“We hope that this ruling will serve as an opportunity for the members to return to their rightful place as NewJeans and resume their activities. As they approach their third debut anniversary next month, ADOR is committed to providing full support for the artists' further growth and success,” added ADOR.
Last January, ADOR filed a “preliminary injunction with the Seoul Central District Court to prevent NewJeans members from engaging in any independent promotional activities without the company's consent and to reaffirm the company's position as the group's exclusive management agency.”
In March, the Seoul Central District Court accepted ADOR’s application for an injunction against NewJeans to preserve the status of the agency and prohibit the signing of advertising contracts, etc.
In another ruling on May 30, the Central District Court ruled that each member of NewJeans would have to pay “one billion won [about $729,000] for each time they engage in independent activity.”
Last December, ADOR filed a lawsuit “in which the company sought a declaration affirming the validity of its exclusive contracts with the NewJeans members.”