A speculative estimate of NewJeans' contract termination fee has surfaced via Min Hee Jin's past KakaoTalk conversations with ADOR's former deputy CEOs.

According to MyDaily, the penalty fee for NewJeans terminating their contract with ADOR could reach up to 620 billion KRW (approximately 441 million USD). This figure is based on the group's estimated monthly revenue per member, calculated at 2 billion KRW, multiplied by the 62 months remaining in their standard seven-year contract. For a single member, the penalty would amount to 124 billion KRW, and with five members, the total reaches the staggering 620 billion KRW.

As reported by Chosun.com on November 24, Min Hee Jin and two former ADOR deputy CEOs discussed this potential penalty via KakaoTalk in March of this year. The chatlog came to light during a legal dispute initiated by Min Hee Jin to block HYBE from exercising voting rights. During the trial, Min Hee Jin’s team explained that the conversation over the damage assessment was merely "a rough method to evaluate ADOR’s corporate value."

On November 13, NewJeans issued a formal notice to ADOR, threatening their contract termination over six unresolved issues. These include accusations of workplace harassment, the failure to delete leaked past photos, and inaction against HYBE staff who allegedly undermined the group. The members warned that unless their demands were addressed within two weeks, they would terminate their exclusive contract. Speculation suggests their ultimate goal may be the reinstatement of Min Hee Jin.

However, Min Hee Jin resigned from her position as ADOR’s in-house director on November 20, making her return impossible. With the November 27 deadline fast approaching for NewJeans, it remains unclear whether the situation will escalate into a lawsuit involving their penalties worth billions of KRW.

Legal experts view the case as a challenging one for NewJeans. Lawyer Cho Gwang Hee of One Law Partners told Chosun.com: “It is unclear exactly how ADOR violated the contract based on NewJeans’ demands. Unless the court finds sufficient grounds to suspend the validity of the exclusive contract, the agreement will remain in effect.”

Lawyer Cho further elaborated, “Most of the issues raised by NewJeans in their notice pertain to HYBE. While HYBE and ADOR may appear closely connected, they are legally separate entities. Misconduct by HYBE cannot be grounds to terminate a contract with ADOR.”

He also pointed out, “Calculating compensation based on the premise of NewJeans leaving the company could give the impression that NewJeans and Min Hee Jin’s team are aligned. Such remarks might evoke suspicions of tampering (illegal pre-contact) between NewJeans and Min Hee Jin, which would require further clarification.”

ADOR's reported revenue for 2022 stood at 110.3 billion KRW, according to the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system. NewJeans, who debuted in July 2022, still has around five years left on their initial contract.

What are your thoughts on this unfolding situation?

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