NewJeans’ management agency, ADOR, has shared a significant update concerning the spread of harmful online content aimed at the group. On June 30, the agency announced that it had identified and taken legal action against individuals involved in creating and distributing deepfake content featuring NewJeans members. The announcement was reported by K-POPdays on July 1. The timing of this move drew attention, as it comes during an ongoing legal contract dispute between the group and the agency.
According to ADOR, the company has been closely monitoring online platforms and has consistently pursued legal action against those spreading malicious content about the group. One individual, who used ProtonMail to circulate deepfake videos, was recently arrested following an investigation. ADOR also shared that several others involved in similar offenses have already faced legal consequences, including jail time and fines.
The agency is also in the process of pursuing criminal charges against a YouTuber whose content was deemed to cause sexual humiliation to NewJeans members. While the YouTuber was initially given a suspended sentence along with mandatory educational programming, ADOR has appealed the decision, requesting a harsher punishment.
ADOR emphasized that they have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to online harassment. The company is currently working with legal authorities in the United States to uncover the identities of users spreading harmful content through YouTube and other platforms. Once identified, domestic legal action will be pursued in South Korea.
Some have interpreted this strong legal action as ADOR’s attempt to show that they are committed to protecting the members of NewJeans, even as their contract dispute continues. In a statement, the company said, “We will continue to take every possible legal measure to protect the rights of our artists.” This may also be a step toward regaining the trust of the group members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—who remain locked in a legal battle with the agency.