[Exclusive]"1 billion won in damages to ADOR": NewJeans music video production company appeals, verdict expected in October

*This content was translated by AI.

A conclusion on the second-instance lawsuit for damages between Dolphin Kidnappers, the advertising production company that produced NewJeans' music videos, and ADOR, NewJeans' agency, is expected to be announced by the end of October.

The Seoul High Court's 5th Civil Division (Case No. Da) has concluded all arguments in the second-instance lawsuit filed by ADOR against director Shin Woo-seok and Dolphin Kidnappers for damages worth 1 billion won, and will hold a verdict announcement session on October 29.

This dispute began last August when Dolphin Kidnappers posted the director's cut of NewJeans' 'ETA' music video on its YouTube channel. When ADOR requested the removal of the video, director Shin Woo-seok deleted NewJeans-related videos he had posted on another unofficial fan channel called 'Ban Hee-su Channel,' escalating the conflict.

ADOR countered, stating, "We only requested to stop posting the 'ETA' director's cut video; there is no fact that we demanded the deletion or cessation of uploading all videos related to NewJeans, including those on the Ban Hee-su channel. Director Shin is spreading false information."

In response, director Shin Woo-seok filed a criminal complaint, claiming his reputation was damaged by ADOR's statement. ADOR then filed a lawsuit for damages based on its ownership of the video.

During the trial process, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin also appeared as a witness, stating that "verbal prior consent was given to separately post the 'ETA' music video director's cut," and sided with Dolphin Kidnappers; however, the court ultimately ruled in favor of ADOR.

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Panel No. 62 (Presiding Judge Lee Hyun-seok), which handled the first-instance trial, ruled last January that "Dolphin Kidnappers must pay ADOR 1 billion won plus delayed interest," and added that "the amount is subject to provisional execution." Additionally, the claim for damages against director Shin Woo-seok personally was dismissed.

As both sides filed appeals, the trial reopened.

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*This content was translated by AI.