Legal expert weighs in on NewJeans’ contract termination strategy

AKP STAFF

A lawyer has shared his insights on NewJeans' contract with ADOR following the group's emergency press conference.

On an online forum, a netizen posted comments from lawyer Lee Hyun Gon, who weighed in on the group's decision. He highlighted how NewJeans "will not file an injunction regarding their exclusive contract" and noted that the most striking aspect of their press conference was their "decision to terminate the contract as of midnight today without pursuing legal action."

The lawyer described this move as "an unprecedented approach, as filing an injunction would have prevented any activity until a conclusion was reached."

He explained that NewJeans could "leave without filing a lawsuit," adding that in this scenario, it would be ADOR's responsibility to file a lawsuit against NewJeans while the group waits for the outcome.

However, in a follow-up post, the lawyer clarified that NewJeans still cannot "unilaterally leave without legal action." He pointed out that HYBE had previously unilaterally notified former CEO Min Hee Jin of the termination of their shareholder agreement. He questioned, "Does it make sense for them to act that way but claim others can’t do the same?"

Lee Hyun Gon further elaborated on the differences between the two cases, explaining, "HYBE terminated the shareholder agreement unilaterally without any justification, whereas NewJeans has ample reasons to justify their contract termination."

The lawyer also expressed his personal support for NewJeans, writing, "NewJeans is paving a new path and not hiding in the shadows," and adding, "Watching them makes you feel good and inspires you to support them."

Read his full posts below:

"NewJeans will not file an injunction regarding their exclusive contract. The most striking part of the press conference is the decision to terminate the contract as of midnight today without pursuing legal action.

This is an unprecedented approach, as filing an injunction would have prevented any activity until a conclusion was reached.

However, they can leave without filing a lawsuit. In this scenario, ADOR would need to file a lawsuit against NewJeans, and NewJeans would simply wait for the outcome. For now, there is no way to stop NewJeans from becoming independent.

NewJeans is paving a new path and not hiding in the shadows. Watching them makes you feel good and inspires you to support them."

"Some are questioning whether NewJeans can unilaterally leave without legal action, but that claim is incorrect. HYBE unilaterally notified CEO Min Hee Jin of the termination of their shareholder agreement. Does it make sense for them to act that way but claim others can’t do the same?

There is a difference between the two situations, however. HYBE terminated the shareholder agreement unilaterally and without any justification, whereas NewJeans has ample reasons to justify their contract termination. If there’s a difference, that’s the difference."