Korea Management Federation welcomes ruling in Ador-NewJeans contract dispute
K-pop girl group NewJeans / Courtesy of Ador
The Korea Management Federation (KMF) has welcomed a court ruling that upheld the validity of the exclusive contract between K-pop group NewJeans and its agency, Ador.
In a statement released Thursday, KMF, representing entertainment managers and agencies, said it “respects and welcomes the court’s decision,” calling it “a fair outcome that reinforces the credibility of exclusive contracts and the integrity of the popular music industry.”
The organization added, “We hope this ruling serves as a turning point for strengthening trust in standard exclusive contracts and industry practices. The federation will continue working to build a sound entertainment ecosystem that ensures mutual respect between artists and production companies.”
Earlier in the day, the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Jung Hoe-il, ruled in favor of Ador in its lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract. “The exclusive contracts between the plaintiff and defendants are confirmed to be valid,” the court said.
Ador filed the lawsuit in December 2024, arguing that the group’s exclusive contract remains legally binding. The agency also requested an injunction prohibiting NewJeans members from pursuing independent activities without its consent until the case reached a conclusion.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.