Following the first‐trial ruling that confirmed ADOR’s exclusive contract with NewJeans remains valid, legal experts are expressing strong doubts about the group’s decision to appeal.
On November 8, the YouTube channel of Kang & Park Law Firm released a video titled 'Why We Might Not See NewJeans Until 2027.' In the video, attorneys Kang Ho Seok and Park Gun Ho discussed the case, noting that as of the filming date (November 6) NewJeans had not yet filed an appeal.
“The appeal period is two weeks. Although it is not advisable, we believe they will still go through with it,” the lawyers said. “However, the first trial court reached its conclusion after carefully interpreting the law to determine whether NewJeans had valid grounds to terminate their contract. The court found none. The ruling clearly stated that ADOR’s management was not in a state of collapse. Contracts are not to be taken lightly. If NewJeans appeals, they will lose again, one hundred percent. There is no chance of overturning the ruling without decisive new evidence, and that is highly unlikely.”
The lawyers further explained that the outcome of the first trial could also negatively affect ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s separate put‐option lawsuit against HYBE, valued at 26 billion KRW (about 18.2 million USD).
“Initially, we believed the put‐option case was in Min Hee Jin’s favor,” they said. “However, because the first trial ruling mentioned suspicions of Min’s ‘tampering,’ the situation has changed. Under civil procedure law, conclusions reached by one court tend to influence others with significant binding effect. Therefore, it is unlikely that the court handling the put‐option case will disregard this first ruling.”
Kang and Park also warned that if NewJeans pursues the case to the Supreme Court, their group activities could be suspended until 2027. “By that time, NewJeans could become ‘OldJeans.’ HYBE may also file a damages lawsuit afterward,” they added.
While the group lost the first trial, the financial burden from the loss is reportedly limited. The lawyers explained, “Since this was a contract dispute, not a damages claim, the litigation value is about 250 million KRW (about 172,000 USD). Including court fees, service charges, and legal costs, the total amounts to approximately 12.26 million KRW (approximately 8,420 USD). Although both sides hired major law firms, Kim & Chang and Sejong, the court compensates legal fees within a regulated limit.”
However, they noted that actual legal expenses could have been far higher. “If Sejong assigned even five senior attorneys, at roughly 100 million KRW (about 68,681 USD) per lawyer, the actual costs could reach 500 million KRW (about 350,000 USD).”
In contrast, the lawyers warned that if Min Hee Jin loses her 26 billion KRW (about 18.2 million USD) put‐option case, the financial damage would be severe. “The lawsuit amount alone is 26 billion KRW (about 18.2 million USD). If she loses, the legal fees, stamp duties, and service charges will be enormous. It could leave her buried in debt,” they explained.
They also expressed concern for the group’s situation. “It appears that NewJeans does not have proper guidance from their parents or legal advisors. Unfortunately, no adult is stepping in to resolve this,” they said.
On October 30, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 41 (Judge Jeong Hoe Il presiding) ruled in favor of ADOR in its lawsuit confirming the validity of its exclusive contracts with the five NewJeans members. As a result, NewJeans’ contract with ADOR remains valid until 2029.
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