On June 30 KST, ADOR released a statement saying, “Since NewJeans’ debut, we have continuously monitored and pursued legal action against malicious online content targeting the artists.”
They continued, “We are actively collecting evidence of serious rights violations—including defamation related to nationality or appearance, spreading false information (fake news), invasion of privacy, and malicious slurs or sexually explicit insults—across domestic and international websites and social media platforms. We are proceeding with legal steps alongside requests for prompt content removal.”
As a result, suspects charged with criminal defamation and the use of obscene communications are currently under investigation. Some anonymous users from platforms like DC Inside (known as ‘floating nicknames’) have also been identified and transferred to local police jurisdictions.
In addition, ADOR is taking steps through the U.S. legal system to obtain identities from platforms such as YouTube, and pursuing domestic legal action thereafter. One particularly malicious YouTuber who repeatedly created videos that could cause sexual humiliation to members has been identified, and is currently facing firm legal action. While the YouTuber requested a settlement during the civil lawsuit process, ADOR firmly rejected the offer.
On June 25, 2025, the court ruled in favor of ADOR in a civil damages lawsuit, determining that the defendant’s actions constituted a serious violation of personality rights. The result was a partial victory for NewJeans, with the court ordering the YouTuber to pay significant damages to the members. ADOR added, “We will continue to uphold a zero-tolerance policy for similar cases in the future.”
Additionally, in the criminal case, although the YouTuber received a suspended prosecution conditional on completing an educational program, ADOR filed an appeal, asserting that a heavier penalty is warranted. “We will pursue the matter to the end to ensure the YouTuber is appropriately punished,” the company stated.
ADOR also emphasized its continued efforts to combat deepfake crimes, saying, “We are actively cooperating with investigative authorities to track and punish those who produce and distribute fake videos targeting the artists.” Several individuals who distributed deepfakes via platforms like Telegram have been sentenced to prison along with additional penalties, including asset forfeiture, community service, mandatory education, probation, and restrictions from working at institutions related to children, adolescents, or persons with disabilities.
One particular offender, who used ProtonMail—known for being difficult to trace—was also apprehended after a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, ADOR is currently in a legal dispute with NewJeans regarding their exclusive contract. The group announced in November last year that their contract with ADOR had been terminated and declared their intention to pursue independent activities under the name NJZ, claiming that the company had violated their agreement and that they were not liable for penalties or lawsuits.
In response, ADOR filed for an injunction to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and prohibit the members from signing independent deals or engaging in individual activities. The court fully ruled in favor of ADOR. NewJeans submitted two objections, both of which were dismissed. As a result, NewJeans is currently prohibited from conducting independent promotions. Should they do so, each member would be liable to pay approximately KRW 1 billion (approx. USD 740,000) in penalties.
ADOR has consistently expressed a desire for reconciliation, stating they hope the members will return and have proposed negotiations. However, NewJeans has firmly responded, “We’ve crossed a point of no return.” Whether ADOR’s persistent calls for reconciliation will have any impact on the upcoming main lawsuit remains to be seen.
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