1 minor NewJeans member’s Parental Conflict Emerges in NewJeans Contract Dispute with ADOR
The ongoing legal battle between K-pop group NewJeans and their agency ADOR has taken a dramatic turn, as conflicting opinions among the parents of one of the group’s minor members have been revealed. This development adds a new layer of complexity to the dispute, which has been ongoing since November 2024.
Parental Disagreement Over Contract Termination
During the first hearing of ADOR’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans on April 3, the Seoul Central District Court addressed an issue regarding parental consent. The presiding judge asked, “Has there been a decision by the family court regarding the exercise of parental authority, and has this been retroactively applied to all legal actions so far?”
This statement indicates that one minor member’s parents—either Hyein or Haerin—disagreed on whether to proceed with the contract termination lawsuit. To resolve this conflict, a family court intervened and determined which parent would have the authority to represent the minor in legal actions.
Background on the Dispute
The conflict began in November 2024 when NewJeans members announced their intent to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR, citing a breakdown in trust. The group later revealed plans to continue under a new name, NJZ, signaling their intent to pursue independent activities. In response, ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the contract’s validity and requested an injunction to prevent NewJeans from engaging in independent activities.
On March 21, 2025, the court granted ADOR’s injunction request, restricting NewJeans from pursuing solo activities until a final ruling is made. The group has since paused all activities while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Implications of Parental Conflict
The revelation of differing opinions among parents marks a significant development in the case. Until now, it was believed that NewJeans’ parents had presented a unified front in supporting the group’s decision to terminate their contract with ADOR. This internal disagreement could potentially influence how the court evaluates the case, particularly concerning decisions involving minor members.
Legal Context: Parental Authority in Contract Disputes
In South Korea, minors require parental or legal guardian consent to participate in lawsuits. The family court’s involvement suggests that one member’s parents—likely her mother and father—had conflicting views on whether to proceed with terminating the exclusive contract. The court ultimately decided which parent would have decision-making authority for this legal matter.
Next Steps of NewJeans and ADOR court fight
The court is expected to continue deliberating on the matter, with additional hearings scheduled for later this year. As both sides prepare for further legal proceedings, fans and industry observers are closely watching how this dispute will impact NewJeans’ future as a group.
Source Article > https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/117/0003929204
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