TenAsia | Journalist Choi Jiye
https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/312/0000693375
According to an exclusive report by Ten Asia on the 18th, NewJeans recently conveyed their intention to directly enter into a two-party contract with global luxury watch brand O through their manager, A, who is affiliated with ADOR. Manager A reportedly reached out to the brand and initiated discussions about a direct contract with NewJeans. Additionally, it was also revealed that NewJeans contacted another luxury brand through another former ADOR manager, B, in an attempt to establish a direct contract.
At a press conference where they announced the termination of their exclusive contract, NewJeans stated that they would minimize the damage to advertisers by sticking to the existing agreements. Their intention was to make sure that advertisements signed before the termination declaration would proceed without issues. However, this time is different. It was confirmed that NewJeans attempted to pursue contracts through ADOR's staff after declaring the termination of their exclusive contract. Industry insiders argue that this approach --pursuing a new contract through an ADOR staff who is still paid by ADOR while claiming to have ended the contract with ADOR, reflects contradictory behavior.
As evidence of NewJeans' contract violation continues to surface, ADOR took immediate action. ADOR placed manager A, who contacted brand O without involving the company, on administrative leave. In addition, ADOR informed O and another luxury brand that a two-party contract with NewJeans is a violation of the exclusive contract.
As a result, confusion in the advertising industry is also increasing. Advertisers have expressed frustration over NewJeans' unilateral demands for direct contracts with brands. Concerns are also spreading that if they accept NewJeans' contract request, they may be entangled in a lawsuit for breach of contract with ADOR. Global luxury brands, which are sensitive to industry trends, are said to be on high alert and conducting legal reviews.
According to the current Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's standard exclusive contract, all entertainment activities of an artist must be carried out through their agency. During the contract period, artists are prohibited from independently or through third parties negotiating appearances or providing entertainment-related services without the agency's approval. If a third party is actively involved in the artist's breach of contract, they could also face legal consequences.
An industry insider pointed out, "I don't understand why they are rushing to make individual SNS or advertising deals when they could have waited calmly, considering the ongoing lawsuit," adding, "Advertising is the most sensitive issue in the industry, and they seem to be moving too hastily."
-File a lawsuit thenㅋㅋㅋㅋ Why just run your mouth?ㅋㅋㅋ
-ㅋㅋ That means even the luxury brands are ignoring HYBE completely.
-If there's a problem, just file a lawsuit. No matter how much they try to media play, it only shows that they're mad seeing that NewJeans is not impacted at all and still getting ads deals.
-So what?
-Then file a lawsuit and explain it in court.
-They probably contacted NewJeans directly because they could. Would those luxury brands, likely bigger than ADOR, not have done proper research before proceeding?
-Whatever, do as you likeㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-So, that means there's another brand trying to sign a deal with NewJeans? What brand could it be?
-They’re no longer under ADOR. Of course they should negotiate directly now. Isn’t that obvious?
-NewJeans' members are smart. I'm sure they must've consulted with lawyers before proceeding.
-So what~~ They have already terminated their contract on November 29~
-These babies are seriously so smart.
-Why is it considered a contract violation when they have already terminated their contract...?
