ADOR files suit to validate NewJeans exclusivity agreement...

ADOR, the management agency of K-pop group NewJeans, has taken legal action to confirm the validity of its exclusive contract with the group. On December 3, ADOR filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to validate the exclusive contract, the agency said through an official statement on Friday.

The company explained that the lawsuit is "to clarify the legal validity of its exclusive contracts with its artists," adding, "While we did not want to seek a legal judgment, we felt it necessary to confirm to various stakeholders that the contracts cannot be easily terminated by unilateral claims."

The company added that it made the move to protect the trust and structure of the K-pop industry in particular and the Korean pop culture industry in general. "A healthy trust relationship between the artist and the company is the foundation of the K-pop industry," it said, adding that it intends to seek a legal judgment to clarify this."

Earlier said it was concerned that if artists misunderstood the termination and embarked on new activities, it could cause unexpected damage and confusion to industry stakeholders at home and abroad. The agency emphasized that "our intention to work with NewJeans remains unchanged," but that "a sincere discussion with the artist is necessary, regardless of the legal judgment on the validity of the exclusive contract."

But ADOR said that communication with the artists is currently lacking. "We have requested communication on numerous occasions but have not had the opportunity." It added that "We will continue to work to resolve any unnecessary misunderstandings."

The issue of the exclusive contract with NewJeans will be interesting to see what the court decides. The industry is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the legal controversy surrounding the K-pop industry."

The court's decision will be closely watched.