NJZ and ADOR Legal Battle has embarked as HYBE Groups LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT Caught in the Crossfire
The highly anticipated legal dispute between Ador and NJZ has officially commenced, with the first hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court. The case centers around Ador’s request for an injunction to prevent NJZ from engaging in independent activities, including signing advertising contracts. Despite not being required to attend, all NJZ members appeared in court to express their desire to discontinue their relationship with Ador and HYBE. Amidst this conflict, HYBE groups LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT find themselves unintentionally drawn into the controversy.
Legal Allegations and Brand Ambassador Dispute
During the hearing, NJZ’s legal representatives accused HYBE of unfair treatment, highlighting an incident involving member Hyein’s appointment as a brand ambassador. According to their claims, Hyein was initially selected, but LE SSERAFIM was later added at HYBE’s direct request. The brand reportedly apologized to NewJeans, believing HYBE had obtained prior consent for this arrangement. This accusation has reignited suspicions of favoritism toward LE SSERAFIM, potentially overshadowing their upcoming comeback on March 14.
Source Music, LE SSERAFIM’s agency, responded by denying any wrongdoing:
“LE SSERAFIM did not receive any special privileges or unfair advantages in being appointed as brand ambassadors. Mentioning our artists by name based on unverified claims is irresponsible and harmful.”
The “Ignore Incident” and Ongoing Disputes
The legal battle also brought up the so-called “Ignore Incident,” where Ador presented CCTV footage from last year’s National Assembly audit involving member Hanni. The video showed three ILLIT members bowing to Hanni and Daniel during a backstage encounter. Ador argued that Hanni herself did not consider the incident significant but claimed former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin exaggerated its importance to justify contract termination.
Ador further alleged that Min Hee-jin had clashed with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk over the debut timing of LE SSERAFIM, which preceded NewJeans despite earlier plans for NewJeans to be HYBE’s first girl group. Source Music is pursuing a defamation lawsuit against Min Hee-jin, seeking damages of approximately 500 million KRW (around $400,000), with the second trial scheduled for March 14.
Unintended Impact on LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT
LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT have both been inadvertently drawn into the controversy surrounding HYBE’s internal disputes. LE SSERAFIM, who achieved record-breaking success with their singles EASY and Magnetic on the Billboard Hot 100 last year, now face unwarranted criticism over allegations of favoritism within HYBE. Similarly, ILLIT has been unfairly accused of copying NewJeans’ concepts and choreography, further fueling negative perceptions online.
These controversies have led to harsh criticism from netizens and rival fandoms, with some unfairly labeling LE SSERAFIM as a group that “stole debut opportunities” or baselessly accusing ILLIT of being “a plagiarized version of their seniors.” Such unwarranted labels are particularly damaging for idol groups whose image plays a crucial role in their success.
Growing Concerns for Artists Amid Legal Turmoil
As legal battles between Ador and HYBE intensify, concerns are growing about potential fallout for innocent artists like LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT. Fans worry that these disputes could unfairly overshadow their achievements or hinder their promotions in both domestic and international markets. With court proceedings expected to continue throughout the year, it remains uncertain how these issues will impact HYBE’s artists who are not directly involved in the conflict.
While NJZ fights for independence in court, attention now shifts to how HYBE will protect and support its other artists, ensuring that LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT’s careers and reputations are not unjustly harmed by this ongoing legal battle.
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