Dolphiners Films―the production house behind NewJeans’ “Ditto” and “ETA” music videos―has appealed the first-instance damages ruling in its legal battle with ADOR.
In a statement released on the 21st, the company said it filed its appeal the previous day, arguing the trial court “acknowledged a clear oral agreement but still imposed a contractual penalty for lack of written consent,” calling the reasoning “self-contradictory.”
Dolphiners Films added that the court “explicitly found the YouTube upload of the NewJeans ‘ETA’ director’s cut was not an unauthorized posting, but done under an oral agreement between the parties,” and said testimony and evidence supporting that oral agreement were deemed credible. The company also noted the court confirmed there was no copyright infringement and that director Shin Woo-seok’s posted statement was lawful.
The dispute dates back to September 2024, when both sides clashed over the release and removal of the NewJeans director’s cuts and videos on the “Ban Heesoo” YouTube channel, a fight that later spilled into civil and criminal proceedings. With the appeal, the case now moves to a higher court for a fresh review.
Dolphiners Films has also sought a stay of execution on the lower court’s provisional monetary judgment, a standard step that typically requires collateral while the court weighs whether to pause enforcement.
Addressing online chatter about its contracts, the company pushed back on speculation, saying it maintains “a mutually respectful partnership that guarantees an independent creative environment through fair agreements,” and urged an end to groundless rumors and malicious attacks. It warned it will pursue strong action―based on tips and evidence―against any confirmed spread of falsehoods or coordinated manipulation campaigns.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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