Significant Support for NewJeans Amid Entertainment Activity Ban
On October 22, a coalition of thirty-two notable South Korean figures publicly condemned the ongoing ban on the K-pop group NewJeans, amplifying the call for justice ahead of an important court ruling set for October 30.
Prominent Advocates Unite
This influential coalition features a diverse group, including former National Assembly member Song Hye-won, Professor Song Ki-seon from Catholic University, as well as various lawyers, commentators, and representatives from civic organizations.
Concerns Over Legal Restrictions
The signatories voiced serious concerns regarding a provisional injunction from the Seoul Central District Court that has effectively sidelined NewJeans from all entertainment-related activities, preventing them from performing or recording music since March. This decision has left the group, recognized as one of K-pop’s leading acts, inactive for over six months.
Critique of the Industry’s Structure
The advocates criticized deep-rooted issues within South Korea’s entertainment sector, pointing out a stark contrast between local practices and international standards. They emphasized that while the United States utilizes a certified agency system that safeguards artists’ legal rights, South Korea’s current model leaves artists overwhelmingly dependent on their agencies. The contracts mandated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism maintain a seven-year commitment that heavily favors the agencies.
Financial Disparity Highlighted
In their statement, the group of 32 stressed the substantial profits that HYBE, parent company of ADOR, has reaped from NewJeans. They revealed that HYBE invested 16 billion KRW to establish ADOR in October 2021, and since NewJeans’ debut in 2022, the group’s earnings have nearly quadrupled this investment. This financial backdrop calls into question the fairness of the existing contractual arrangements.
A Call for Systematic Reforms
The coalition urged the South Korean government to establish a U. S.-style certified agency system to mitigate future contractual disputes between artists and companies. They warned that without such reforms, globally recognized idol groups risk facing dismantlement through burdensome legal challenges stemming from problematic standard contracts.
On the Brink of a Decision
This public statement comes as NewJeans fights a legal battle against ADOR regarding the validity of their exclusive contract. Since the halting of their activities announced in March, the group’s future remains uncertain as they await a final ruling on October 30. This decision will determine if they remain bound by their agreement with ADOR or gain the right to pursue independent paths.
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