New Jeans under backlash, called "traitors," for refusing to settle with ADOR after court's "recommendation"

Article: New Jeans, “crossed the point of no return”…reject talks despite Court’s recommendation to "settle"

 Source: Seoul Shinmun

New Jeans has rejected the suggestion by the court to settle with ADOR. 

At the 2nd hearing for the lawsuit over the validity of their exclusive contract with ADOR, the court encouraged both sides to settle but New Jeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein) rejected it stating that "their relationship with ADOR has been irreparably broken."

The court stated, "Would you consider a settlement before the next hearing? Although New Jeans said no last time, from the court's perspective, we would still like to recommend it."

Their lawyer responded, "Trust has already collapsed. We've crossed the point of no return."

ADOR's side responded, "We believe a settlement will come easily once the court makes a decision, whether on the main case or the injunction," expressing desire to await the court's judgement. 

ADOR submitted statements and evidence previously claiming the agency had done its best to ensure the members’ activities continued even after CEO Min Hee-jin was replaced, and that management support remained in place.

However, New Jeans' side countered, "The evidence presented is very lacking. Fulfilling management obligations isn’t simply about listing replacement producers. Anyone can do that. That’s not why we signed an exclusive contract."

ADOR also requested records from ongoing damages lawsuit between Min Hee-jin and HYBE subsidiary Source Music, also being heard at Seoul Western District Court. Source, home to Le Sserafim, sued Min Hee-jin over claims she made during her conflict with HYBE, saying "her statements were false."

New Jeans' side responded, "Some of the evidence being used is illegally obtained. We’ve submitted an opinion to the court requesting that these not be accepted. Given the high possibility of illegal collection, that issue must be addressed first."

ADOR countered, "The computer in question is company property, and files were provided with consent. They cannot be considered illegally obtained."

The court scheduled another hearing for July 24 to continue hearing both sides’ arguments.

Meanwhile, on May 29, the court granted ADOR’s request for indirect compulsory enforcement. The ruling states that "if NewJeans carries out any independent activities without ADOR’s prior approval, each member must pay 1 billion won per violation."