Through the YouTube channel “Korea Lawyer”, Lee Ji-hoon posted a video mentioning NewJeans’ case. Lee Ji-hoon stated, “NewJeans cannot use the name ‘NewJeans’ regardless of their will. Issues will also arise regarding the use of previously released songs.“

Lee added, “You can’t keep changing your claims. Since they’re asserting the termination of their contract with ADOR, it’s natural that they cannot use the name or the existing songs. If they cannot give up the name ‘NewJeans‘, then they need to pursue a lawsuit.”

Lee Ji-hoon further commented, “Currently, they are fulfilling existing schedules, but the real dispute will begin after the pre-planned activities are completed. The real problem starts once those schedules end. If they don’t carry out the plans set by ADOR, the risks will increase. Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin reportedly estimated the penalties for taking NewJeans with her at up to 620 billion KRW.”

Regarding the financial aspect, Lee said, “This is not a criminal issue but a civil matter, so it comes down to paying money. The easiest problem to solve is one where you can pay. It might feel unpleasant to pay when you don’t want to, but financial matters need to be settled. NewJeans asserting contract termination is fine, and HYBE should let them go, but the money must be accounted for.“

Lee Ji-hoon also addressed NewJeans’ decision not to file a provisional injunction to suspend their exclusive contract with ADOR. Lee stated, “NewJeans is not pursuing the injunction because they know they would lose. If they thought they would win, they would have done it. This isn’t some grand strategy or groundbreaking approach—it’s simply because they are in a legally disadvantaged position.”

Lee added, “This appears to be a tactic to pressure ADOR into voluntarily terminating the contract. It might be the only way to make ADOR propose the termination first.”

Meanwhile, the five members of NewJeans — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein, who notified ADOR of their contract termination, performed at YOASOBI’s second concert in Korea at Incheon Inspire Arena on Dec 7th. They performed tracks like “How Sweet”, “Right Now” and YOASOBI’s hit song “Biri-Biri”.

During the event, NewJeans expressed gratitude for being able to collaborate with YOASOBI once again, following the Tokyo Dome fan meeting. Hyein said “It’s an honor to be a guest at YOASOBI’s concert“, while YOASOBI’s Ikura responded, “It’s delightful that our connection from being a guest at NewJeans’ Tokyo Dome fan meeting has led to this concert. We’re happy.“

YOASOBI had previously showcased a snippet of NewJeans’ “Ditto”. Minji shared her admiration for YOASOBI’s tracks, naming favorites such as “Yuusha”, “Into the Night”, “Monster” and “Tracing A Dream”. She also recommended Korean dishes like Sundae and Rice Soup and kimchi stew.

YOASOBI later shared photos with NewJeans on social media, writing, “YOASOBI Asia Tour Korea Concert DAY1, thank you! The best start! Special thanks to NewJeans for joining us as a guest. We had an amazing time!“

Source: Naver, Naver