Key Highlights
- The first trial of the exclusive contract dispute between group Newzins and agency Adore is set to be sentenced.
- Adore filed a lawsuit against five members of Newgens to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract.
- Newzins terminated the exclusive contract due to a “crash of trust” and has been engaging in independent activities under a new name NZ.
- Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, established a new entertainment agency called Ooak with plans for New Jeans members to join.
Newzins vs. Adore: Exclusive Contract Dispute Heads to Court
The legal battle between the entertainment group Newzins and its former agency Adore has reached a critical juncture, as the Seoul Central District Court is set to sentence the first trial on October 30, 2025. This dispute centers around the validity of exclusive contracts involving five members of the music group Newgens.
Background and Timeline
Newzins and Adore have been at odds since November last year, when Newzins unilaterally terminated their exclusive contract with the five members of Newgens, citing a “crash of trust.” In response to this development, Adore initiated legal proceedings against Newzins on December 3, 2024, seeking to validate the exclusivity of its contracts. The agency also applied for an injunction to prevent the signing of advertising contracts by the members and preserve their status as part of Adore’s roster.
Despite attempts at mediation, no agreement was reached between Newzins and Adore. As a result, the matter proceeded to court in March 2025, where Adore’s request for an injunction was accepted, effectively halting any further activity by the members until the outcome of the main lawsuit.
Key Figures and Developments
Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, has taken center stage in this legal saga. He established a new entertainment agency called Ooak, headquartered in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The registration documents for Ooak list celebrity management, music production, record production, brand management, and advertising services as its primary business activities.
It is noteworthy that the New Jeans members had expressed a desire to join Min Hee-jin’s new venture during previous court proceedings. Should Adore prevail in its lawsuit, it is speculated that Ooak could become a significant player in the entertainment industry with the talent of New Jeans on board.
Expert Analysis and Legal Perspectives
The prevailing view among legal experts suggests that Newzins may face challenges in winning this case. Given that Adore had previously secured a provisional injunction, it is likely that similar legal logic will be applied to the main lawsuit. Under such an outcome, if Newzins loses, they would have to remain members of Adore until 2029 when their contracts expire.
Legal analysts emphasize that while Min Hee-jin’s move with Ooak represents a strategic opportunity for him and his clients, the court’s decision will be crucial in determining the future direction of Newzins and its relationship with the members of Newgens.
Conclusion
The upcoming sentencing on October 30, 2025, is expected to have significant implications for both parties involved. While Adore seeks to reaffirm its control over the exclusive contracts, Newzins aims to protect its newfound independence and the future of its members. The outcome of this trial could redefine the landscape of contract law in the entertainment industry and set a precedent for similar disputes moving forward.
