In a shocking turn of events, the members of the chart-topping K-pop girl group NewJeans have announced their decision to leave their management agency, ADOR, a subsidiary of the powerhouse label HYBE. The announcement came during a late-night press conference held on November 28, 2024, where all five members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein – were present to address their fans and the media.

The group, which debuted in 2022 and quickly rose to become one of the most successful K-pop acts globally, cited allegations of mistreatment and manipulation as the primary reasons for their departure.  Hanni, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed their discontent with the current work environment, stating,

“This is not the kind of work environment we respect or want to be part of.”NewJeans’ decision to leave ADOR is the latest development in a year-long controversy that has captivated the South Korean entertainment industry. The dispute involves a complex web of accusations between HYBE’s chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, and NewJeans’ producer and former ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin.

The group had previously issued a legal notice to ADOR on November 13, demanding the resolution of alleged breaches of their exclusive contracts within a two-week timeframe. Their demands included an apology for bullying allegations against a manager, the removal of photos and videos used without consent, and the immediate reinstatement of Min Hee-jin.

During the press conference, the members expressed their desire to continue working with Min Hee-jin, who left ADOR earlier this month. Danielle, one of the members, stated, “Once we leave ADOR, we’ll aim to proceed freely with the activities that we really desire.”However, the situation remains complex, as ADOR has responded by stating that the agreement between the agency and the band members “remains in full effect.” The agency has requested that the group continue its collaboration with ADOR on upcoming activities.

This development has left many fans, known as “Bunnies,” concerned about the future of NewJeans. The members acknowledged that they might not be able to use the band’s name once they terminate their contract with ADOR. Despite this uncertainty, the group expressed their hope to release new music for their fans as soon as possible.

The NewJeans controversy highlights the often tumultuous nature of the K-pop industry, where disputes between artists and management agencies are not uncommon. It also underscores the challenges faced by young artists in navigating the complex world of entertainment contracts and creative control.

As the situation continues to unfold, fans around the world are rallying behind NewJeans, showing their support on social media platforms and eagerly awaiting updates on the group’s future. The members have expressed their gratitude for this unwavering support, with Danielle saying, “We really hope that we have the opportunity to meet you guys from all around the world.

“While the road ahead may be uncertain for NewJeans, their determination to continue making music and connecting with their fans remains strong.

What are the main reasons NewJeans cited for leaving ADOR and HYBE?

NewJeans cited several key reasons for their decision to leave ADOR and HYBE:

  1. Mistreatment and manipulation: The group experienced “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation regarding multiple areas,” according to member Hanni.
  2. Breach of contract: NewJeans accused ADOR and HYBE of violating their exclusive contracts.
  3. Lack of reform: The members stated that HYBE and ADOR showed no plans for reform or willingness to listen to their requests.
  4. Insincere attitude: Minji expressed that they were “tired of HYBE’s insincere attitude” and felt the company had no desire to address their concerns.
  5. Bullying allegations: The group demanded an apology for bullying allegations against a manager.
  6. Unauthorized use of content: NewJeans requested the removal of photos and videos used without their consent.
  7. Desire to work with former CEO: The members expressed their wish to continue working with Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s former chief executive who recently left the agency.
  8. Lack of protection: The group stated that “ADOR neither has the will nor the ability to protect NewJeans”.

Lack of protection: The group stated that “ADOR neither has the will nor the ability to protect NewJeans”.?

Mistreatment and manipulation: The group experienced “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation regarding multiple areas,” according to member Hanni.

Breach of contract: NewJeans accused ADOR and HYBE of violating their exclusive contracts.

Lack of reform: The members stated that HYBE and ADOR showed no plans for reform or willingness to listen to their requests.

Insincere attitude: Minji expressed that they were “tired of HYBE’s insincere attitude” and felt the company had no desire to address their concerns.

Bullying allegations: The group demanded an apology for bullying allegations against a manager.

Unauthorized use of content: NewJeans requested the removal of photos and videos used without their consent.

Desire to work with former CEO: The members expressed their wish to continue working with Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s former chief executive who recently left the agency.

What are the potential legal consequences for NewJeans after terminating their contracts?

NewJeans could face several potential legal consequences after terminating their contracts with ADOR:

  1. Penalty fees: The group may be required to pay substantial termination penalties, estimated between 450 billion won ($322 million) and 620 billion won ($441 million).
  2. Lawsuit: ADOR could file a lawsuit against NewJeans for breach of contract. Legal proceedings could take 4-5 years before reaching a final ruling.
  3. Loss of rights: By leaving ADOR, NewJeans would forfeit all rights to their past albums and existing advertisement contracts tied to the agency.
  4. Name rights: NewJeans might temporarily lose the right to use their group name, as it’s likely tied to their contract with ADOR.
  5. Damages: If NewJeans loses a potential lawsuit, they would be required to pay damages or penalties to ADOR for breach of contract.

It’s important to note that the legal situation remains complex. NewJeans claims they have not violated their contract and believe they shouldn’t have to pay penalties. However, legal experts suggest that proving ADOR’s fault in court would be challenging for NewJeans. The outcome will likely depend on the specific terms of their contract and the court’s interpretation of the situation.

So whats next?

As the K-pop industry watches this situation closely, it serves as a reminder of the importance of artist rights and fair treatment in the entertainment world. For now, fans can only wait and hope for a positive resolution that allows NewJeans to continue their musical journey, whether under a new agency or as independent artists. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the future of one of K-pop’s most beloved groups.

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