Overview
- Seoul Central District Court ruled the exclusive agreements remain in force until 2029, rejecting NewJeans’ bid to terminate the contracts.
- The court found no managerial vacuum, stating Min Hee-jin’s ouster did not breach the contract; it also rejected a workplace-harassment claim and deemed HYBE’s audit lawful.
- ADOR told the court it has completed preparations for the group’s next phase, submitting MR demos and a full-album track list as proof of ongoing work.
- NewJeans’ lawyers said the members will file an immediate appeal, calling the trust relationship with ADOR completely destroyed, with prior injunctions still limiting independent activities.
- Investors welcomed the decision as HYBE shares climbed intraday by up to about 7%, adding roughly $644 million in market value.