Despite NewJeans’ Refusal to Return, ADOR Fights to Protect Them — Deepfake and Abuse Cases Prosecuted
Ongoing Contract Conflict Between NewJeans and ADOR Sparks Intensified Legal Response
K-pop agency ADOR has launched an aggressive legal campaign to defend NewJeans, their only artist, despite the group’s continued refusal to return.
On June 30, ADOR posted an official statement via the fan platform Weverse, stating that it is “actively monitoring domestic and international websites and social media platforms for serious rights violations.” These include “defamation based on nationality and appearance, spreading false information (fake news), invasion of privacy, and use of malicious language and slurs.” The company added that it is “simultaneously requesting content removal and initiating legal proceedings.”
Deepfake Offenders Face Prison and Asset Forfeiture
According to ADOR, multiple individuals have already been prosecuted for defamation and for violating communication indecency laws. For overseas offenders, the agency confirmed that it had secured personal identities through U.S. courts and is pursuing domestic legal action in South Korea.
Notably, one YouTuber accused of repeatedly creating sexually explicit deepfake videos featuring NewJeans members has been identified and is currently under legal investigation. ADOR revealed that several individuals involved in deepfake-related crimes have already received prison sentences, asset confiscations, and community service orders. “We remain fully committed to protecting the rights of our artists,” the agency stated.
NewJeans members Refuses to Return Despite ADOR’s Outreach
This legal push comes amid an ongoing contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR. In November, all five members declared their intent to terminate their exclusive contract, citing a “complete breakdown of trust” with ADOR and its parent company HYBE.
In response, ADOR filed for an injunction to ban the members from pursuing independent activities and requested court confirmation that the exclusive contracts were still valid. The court sided entirely with ADOR. Though the members appealed, the injunction was upheld, and on June 25, they confirmed they would not file any further appeals. As a result, the injunction remains in full effect.
Despite the legal impasse, ADOR continues to release official content and press materials about the group. While NewJeans has maintained a firm stance, stating they “have no intention of returning to ADOR or HYBE,” the agency has consistently expressed a desire to welcome them back.
Exclusive Contract Lawsuit Still Underway
Beyond the injunction, the main lawsuit to validate the exclusive contract between ADOR and NewJeans is still in progress. With NewJeans barred from launching independent promotions and ADOR continuing to extend public outreach, the long-running standoff shows no signs of resolution.
More about NewJeans and ADOR > ADOR Urges NewJeans to Return Ahead of 3rd Anniversary, After Court Affirms Agency Status
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