The legal arguments between the two sides are expected to intensify in this hearing.
As industry interest heightens, the court's decision is eagerly anticipated.
Min Hee-jin, the former head of ADOR, is set to face Source Music in court once more. The 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court will conduct the fifth hearing for the 500 million won damages lawsuit against the former representative this afternoon. During the previous hearing, Source Music claimed that Min's statements had harmed the company's reputation and caused significant financial losses. They accused her of claiming to have personally cast the members of NewJeans and of alleging that Source Music neglected the trainees and the group. They argue that such statements spread distorted perceptions within the public and the industry. Source Music particularly noted that Min's remarks negatively impacted the public view of their planning and operational capabilities, leading to damage to their corporate image. To substantiate their claims, they submitted videos of the trainee selection process and related contract documents, emphasizing that the members were selected and managed under Source Music’s guidance. On the other hand, Min's team countered that her statements were based on her experiences and highlighted the need to consider the broader context of those remarks. This hearing is expected to further clarify the legal disputes surrounding the alleged damages and responsibilities owing to the statements made.
This legal battle is shedding light on issues of reputation and integrity within the entertainment industry. The conflict between Min Hee-jin and Source Music is emerging as a matter that extends beyond a mere personal disagreement, affecting public trust and corporate image significantly. The outcome of this trial is likely to influence how artist-agency relationships develop and how they communicate in the future. Furthermore, this case emphasizes the need for clarity in the flow of information and the responsibilities involved between agencies and their artists. While effective collaboration is essential, it is equally important to establish legal accountability in the event of disputes. Public perception is crucial in this context as well; a breach of trust regarding an artist can adversely affect their music and overall activities. Source Music has the chance to validate its planning and management capabilities through this case, while Min Hee-jin has the opportunity to solidify her position effectively.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily