The legal battle between Ador and NewJeans (now known as NJZ) intensified during a crucial injunction hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, where all five members were present.

Ador, the Hybe-owned company, seeks to prevent the group from performing and conducting business as NJZ. The dispute has gained urgency as NJZ continues securing partnerships with major brands like Calvin Klein and plans performances in Hong Kong, along with future music releases under their new name.

Key Points from the Hearing:

• NJZ's legal team cited multiple alleged contractual violations by Ador, including the debut of Illit, which they claim overlaps with NewJeans' image
• The group argues these violations constitute mistreatment justifying contract termination
• Ador revealed they invested $14.55 million (₩21 billion) in NewJeans
• Each member received approximately $3.50 million (₩5 billion) in profit-sharing compensation since their 2022 debut

While the court's decision on the injunction remains pending, a separate hearing regarding the contract's validity is scheduled for April 3rd.

This case holds significant implications for the K-pop industry, as it could set a precedent for contract terminations and reshape the dynamics between entertainment agencies and their artists.

The outcome could particularly impact the K-pop sector, where long-term artist contracts and intense agency-talent relationships are common, potentially influencing how future disputes are handled and resolved.

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