SOURCE MUSIC disputes Min Hee-jin's claims in court, presenting evidence regarding NewJeans' member selection process.
November/7/2025 19:53
SOURCE MUSIC side has countered the claims of former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin. Today (7th), the 12th Civil Division of the Western District Court of Seoul held the fourth hearing of the lawsuit for damages worth 500 million won (about 5 million dollars) filed by SOURCE MUSIC against former representative Min Hee-jin. SOURCE MUSIC had filed this lawsuit against Min Hee-jin through the Western District Court of Seoul in July 2024. In this hearing, SOURCE MUSIC countered each of Min Hee-jin's claims made during a press conference last year, such as 'NewJeans was chosen by me' and 'HYBE did not keep its promise to debut the first girl group.' First, regarding the member selection process of NewJeans, SOURCE MUSIC submitted video evidence of trainee contracts. The video included a scene where Herin's mother said, 'It is really strange that (the casting staff of SOURCE MUSIC) came to Anyang.' In the case of Daniel, it was explained that she was a trainee from another agency, but was cast together when the staff member transferred to SOURCE MUSIC. The video from the time of the contract also captured her mother saying, 'If it is not confirmed for debut, please give me the choice to stay with SOURCE MUSIC or transfer.' This was evidence proving that the members were selected at SOURCE MUSIC. Meanwhile, separately from this lawsuit, former representative Min Hee-jin is continuing a trial with BELIFT LAB, a label under HYBE. This label has raised issues regarding Min Hee-jin's claim that ILLIT, an artist under them, 'imitated the concept of NewJeans,' and has filed a lawsuit for damages amounting to 2 billion won (about 200 million yen). Min Hee-jin's KakaoTalk messages have been accepted as evidence... Min Hee-jin has reportedly established a new entertainment agency called 'ooak.'
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Daniel from NewJeans participated in a 10K marathon, finishing with a personal best of 46 minutes. He shared a moment with former marathon runner Lee Young-jin. Meanwhile, NewJeans lost a lawsuit against ADOR regarding their exclusive contract, with the court ruling that the contract remains valid despite their claims.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR in a lawsuit regarding the validity of exclusive contracts with NewJeans members. The court dismissed ILLIT's plagiarism claims, stating that while some similarities exist, they do not constitute plagiarism. The court also noted that the concept of an idol group's image is not easily classified under publicity or intellectual property rights. Following the ruling, NewJeans members expressed their intention to appeal, citing a complete breakdown of trust with ADOR.
The Korean Management Union commented on the court's ruling regarding the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR, calling it a fair outcome that reinforces the reliability of exclusive contracts in the K-POP industry. They highlighted the importance of maintaining trust between artists and agencies and expressed hope that this ruling would strengthen industry practices and lead to sustainable development in K-POP.
ADOR has won a lawsuit confirming the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans. The court ruled that ADOR did not breach its management duties and emphasized that attempts to escape the contract under the guise of broken trust are unacceptable. ADOR expressed gratitude for the ruling and is prepared for future activities with the artists.
The five members of NewJeans have announced their intention to appeal a court ruling that upheld their contract with ADOR. They respect the court's decision but state that their trust with ADOR has completely broken down, making it impossible to return and continue normal entertainment activities. They hope for a wise judgment in the appeal process and thank their fans for their support.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled that the exclusive contracts between NewJeans and ADOR are valid. The court stated that ADOR's dismissal of a representative does not constitute a breach of contract. NewJeans' legal team acknowledged the ruling but expressed that a return to ADOR for normal activities is impossible due to a broken trust, leading members to appeal the decision.
The fan community 'Team Bunnies' supporting NewJeans is under investigation for alleged violations of donation laws. A member, identified as A, has been referred to juvenile court for fundraising without proper registration. The group raised 50 million won to combat malicious online comments but failed to comply with legal requirements. NewJeans is also in a legal dispute with their label ADOR, affecting their activities.
Min Hee-jin, former head of ADOR, has launched a new entertainment agency called 'ooak Co., Ltd.' She shared a photo of the logo and explained its meaning, 'Only one always known.' The agency will focus on artist management, music production, and event planning, with its location in Gangnam, Seoul. Speculation arises about her plans for NewJeans amid ongoing legal disputes with ADOR.
As a lawsuit regarding NewJeans' exclusive contract approaches, former ADOR representative Min Hee-jin has established a new entertainment agency, ooak Co., Ltd. The company focuses on artist management, music production, and event planning. This marks the first official update on her activities since leaving ADOR, leading to speculation about her intentions post-lawsuit.
On October 15, a charity event for the 20th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. The event featured numerous K-pop stars, including members of BTS, BIGBANG, and Stray Kids, as well as popular actors, creating a glamorous atmosphere. The event highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness and showcased the unity of the entertainment industry.
