Overview
- The Seoul Central District Court confirmed the exclusive contracts signed in April 2022 are valid, finding no clause requiring Min Hee-jin to remain CEO and no breach based on her dismissal.
- The court said Min Hee-jin’s media campaign sought independence rather than protecting NewJeans, and it found claims of mistreatment insufficient to void the agreements.
- Existing injunctions continue to bar unsanctioned work, with indirect compulsory enforcement set at 1 billion won per unauthorized activity for each member, leaving the group inactive.
- NewJeans’ legal team announced an immediate appeal and stated the members will not return to ADOR due to a complete breakdown of trust.
- HYBE’s market value rose by about US$644 million after the decision, and the contracts are reported to run through 2029.