The third hearing of the civil suit to confirm the validity of NewJeans' exclusive contract with ADOR took place on July 24, held at the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 41. During the hearing, NewJeans' legal representative revealed the contents of a petition written directly by the members.
In the petition, the members wrote, "Telling us to return to ADOR is like telling a school violence victim to go back to where their abuser is. The staff who once worked with us have already resigned, and the current ADOR does not sincerely listen to our opinions. We wonder how loud we have to scream for anyone to understand how much we're suffering."
NewJeans' side argued, "The members have suffered the most damage after being neglected amid the conflict between HYBE and Min Hee Jin. Even during Hanni's personnel issue (the 'ignore her' incident), HYBE didn't try to protect the members and instead made Hanni look like a liar."
They further claimed, "The members experience heart palpitations just being near the HYBE building and have to take medication for depression. Can you really say to these members, 'You're under contract, so go out there and sing and dance?' Do the members not have any personal rights?" They added, "Their mother was chased out, and the father who abused them is saying, 'I'll bring a better mother,' so come back."
NewJeans' legal representative further argued, refuting the claim that Min Hee Jin is behind the exclusive contract dispute, and stated, "People are saying Min Hee Jin fabricated everything, but at the time, she was simply fulfilling her duties as CEO." They added, "The members have fundamentally lost trust in ADOR. It's not that they are unconditionally refusing to return. If it were the ADOR they trusted and depended on, they would go back even if they were told not to. But the current ADOR is under HYBE's control."
The latest hearing is now at the center of attention, particularly due to the statement released by the members. NewJeans' latest claim, comparing themselves to school violence and domestic violence victims, has sparked much backlash from Korean netizens. They commented:
"Then the only answer is for them to leave. After paying the penalty."
"What are they saying?"
"Why are they comparing this to a domestic violence case?"
"What nonsense are they speaking. What's with Sejong?"
"They are citing domestic violence after living in a luxurious dorm and earning all that money."
"They need to stop."
"They are crossing the line."
"School violence victim?"
"Good luck. Fighting! Keep believing in your mom, Min Hee Jin."
"The members are clearly brainwashed."
"Huh? What are they saying?"
"Am I the only one who finds their claim ridiculous?"
"This is so ridiculous. How are they citing domestic violence in this?"
"They need to present factual evidence. Not keep bringing emotions into this."
"I laughed after reading what they said in court."
"They can't be serious, can they?"
"But this is really simple. Just pay the penalty and leave the company."
"Are they for real comparing themselves to domestic violence victims?"
"I've never seen an artist that loyal to their CEO."
"Please just pay the penalty and leave then."
"This is such a simple matter, though. Just pay the penalty and join Min Hee Jin."
"They can't be serious about this domestic violence example..."
"Still using emotions to gain pity..."
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