This action follows the court's approval of immediate execution from the first trial ruling in Adore's damages lawsuit.
The case highlights complex conflicts related to copyright.
[TV Daily Kim Ji-hyun Reporter] The advertising production company Dolphin Kidnapping Group has filed for suspension of enforcement against Adore in relation to the first trial ruling of a damages lawsuit. On the 20th, according to the legal community, a request for suspension was submitted to the 63rd Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court. This measure was taken following the court's approval of enforcement in the first trial of the damages lawsuit filed by Adore. Earlier, on the 13th, the 62nd Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of Adore's claim for damages amounting to 1.1 billion KRW against the Dolphin Kidnapping Group and Director Shin Woo-seok. The court ordered the Dolphin Kidnapping Group to pay Adore 1 billion KRW along with delayed interest, while dismissing the damages claim against Director Shin. As the ruling allowed for immediate execution, Adore can commence enforcement procedures for the damages despite the ruling not being finalized. Consequently, the losing Dolphin Kidnapping Group has filed for suspension. This lawsuit was initiated in September 2024 when Adore sought damages from the Dolphin Kidnapping Group and Director Shin for breach of contract and illegal acts. The conflict originated in August 2024 when the Dolphin Kidnapping Group posted the Director's Cut video of girl group NewJeans' 'ETA' on its YouTube channel. Adore raised issues regarding copyright and requested the cessation of the video posting. Director Shin claimed to have complied with removal requests but Adore countered that they did not demand the deletion of all videos related to NewJeans. Subsequently, Director Shin filed a defamation lawsuit claiming that Adore's statement harmed his reputation, while Adore initiated an additional damages lawsuit.
This case raises complex copyright issues within the Korean entertainment industry. The conflict between Adore and the Dolphin Kidnapping Group goes beyond mere contract violations, revealing various legal challenges that can arise in the relationship between artists' creations and production companies. Particularly, it highlights the importance of establishing trust between artists and companies, especially in the context of digital content distribution and copyright protection.
Fans have gained insight into the various dilemmas associated with the artist through this lawsuit, understanding the rapidly changing industrial environment. Amid issues surrounding NewJeans, it is crucial to find solutions that allow the coexistence of consumer and creator rights. In a situation where fan voices are becoming increasingly significant, both agencies and companies must adopt a greater respect for artists' creations.
Ultimately, this conflict illustrates the structural problems within Korea's entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for more dialogue and understanding beyond legal resolutions. Without thorough communication and coordination, the likelihood of similar conflicts recurring remains high.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
