Ador Files Lawsuit to Block NewJeans Contract Termination as Ex-CEO Alleges Hybe Defamation
Ador has filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to enforce NewJeans' contract after the K-pop group attempted to terminate their agreement. This legal action follows weeks of public disputes between former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and Hybe.
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Key Developments:
- Ador claims the contract remains valid until 2029
- NewJeans demanded Min Hee-jin's reinstatement before announcing their departure
- Min Hee-jin denies orchestrating NewJeans' departure attempt
- Min filed defamation complaints against former Hybe executives and reporters
- The Korea Management Association has expressed support for Ador's position
Ador's Position: The company states they pursued legal action to "confirm the validity of the exclusive contract" and maintain industry standards. They emphasize the contract cannot be terminated unilaterally based on one party's claims.
Background Context: The dispute originated from allegations that Min attempted to separate NewJeans from Ador, while Min counters that Hybe undermined the group by debuting a similar act, Illit. After Min's departure in November, NewJeans issued an ultimatum demanding her reinstatement before announcing their intent to leave.
Additional Developments:
- Min filed complaints against former Hybe CEO Park Ji-won and PR head Park Tae-hee for alleged communications law violations
- The case may affect future K-pop industry contract negotiations
- Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk faces separate scrutiny from the Financial Supervisory Service regarding the company's 2020 IPO
The case continues to develop as both parties maintain their positions, with NewJeans expressing continued support for their former CEO while Ador seeks legal enforcement of the existing contract.
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