ADOR claims NewJeans members got 5B KRW amid contract dispute

The ongoing legal dispute between NewJeans and ADOR continues to intensify as the two sides battle over contract rights and management authority. On March 7, a court session took place concerning ADOR's request for an injunction to maintain its position as the management company for NewJeans and to prohibit the members from independently entering into advertising agreements.
During the hearing, ADOR's legal representatives argued that there was no legal justification for the termination of the group's exclusive contact.
The agency maintained that it had met its contractual responsibilities, stating, “The essential obligations of an exclusive contract are to provide opportunities for entertainment activities and to settle profits. ADOR has fulfilled these obligations, which is why NewJeans has become a global star. Each member has received a settlement of 5 billion KRW (about 3.75 million USD).”
ADOR refuted claims of unfair treatment, highlighting that HYBE had invested 21 billion KRW (approximately 15.85 million USD) in NewJeans, thereby indicating no motive to discriminate against the group. The label characterized the assertions made by NewJeans as speculative, contending that an exclusive contract cannot be dissolved based on assumptions rather than concrete evidence. The revelation that each NewJeans member has received 5 billion KRW sparked a widespread debate among Korean netizens.
Public opinion continues to be significantly polarized, with a segment expressing support for the group while others are skeptical of their complaints. Certain online commentators have expressed disapproval of the members, contending that they have received favorable treatment yet still opted to oppose the agency.
Comments included:
"Joo Young (referring to ADOR's current CEO), did you give them the money? It was Min Hee Jin who took care of them, lol. Wow, look at this media play—feels like golf balls flying everywhere."
"This is why you shouldn’t keep people with complicated backgrounds around. They always think they’re the only victims and feel like they’re the only ones who’ve been wronged. If they can’t have something entirely, they’d rather destroy it."
"They got what they were owed, but whether it’s because of Min Hee Jin or not, 5 Billion KRW is a massive amount."
"Only people who know nothing are siding with Min Hee Jin. Anyone with real work experience knows what a terrible person she is."
"Earning 5–10 billion KRW but claiming being discriminated against and bullied? This is just them throwing a tantrum because they want to keep working with Min. Changing their minds the moment they get what they want… just get them out."
"At this rate, once Min abandons them, it’s over." "They don’t want to pay the penalty fees, but they still want the money..." "CrazyJeans" "5 billion KRW... ha... they don’t even know how to be grateful..." "I liked NewJeans... but society isn’t that easy. They should learn to compromise properly."
"Even after settling 5 billion KRW per member, giving them personal rooms in Hannam-dong, and treating them like VIPs, NewJeans fans still don’t understand the situation."
"The 5 billion KRW settlement was calculated while Min Hee Jin was there, and it’s not like NewJeans scammed anyone to earn that money. They rightfully worked for it. And why is everyone acting like this is a huge deal?"
"After taxes, it's like 3 billion KRW per member. Some girl groups go years without even receiving a single settlement."
"5 billion KRW, lol. How much have they even worked to get that?" "These clueless kids have been completely inflated with hot air… sigh, adults these days..." "Most people won't earn 5 billion KRW in their lifetime."
"5 billion KRW is discrimination? Min Hee Jin ruined everything because of her greed."
With the ongoing legal battle, the rift between ADOR and NewJeans continues to fuel heated discussions, making it one of the most controversial disputes in the K-pop industry today.