NewJeans Exits ADOR, Cites Mistreatment and Legal Dispute

K-pop sensation NewJeans has made a dramatic exit from their agency ADOR, accusing the company of mistreatment. The surprise announcement was made late Thursday evening during an impromptu press conference, which has sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry. The five-member girl group, known for their chart-topping hits, revealed they were immediately terminating their contracts with ADOR, a subsidiary of the global K-pop powerhouse, Hybe Corporation.

According to Yonhap News, NewJeans members, led by member Hanni, expressed deep dissatisfaction with how they and their staff have been treated by the label. Hanni specifically cited instances of “mistreatment,” claiming that the group had been subjected to “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation” on multiple occasions. She further alleged that her experience with the company included harassment, and stated unequivocally that continuing to work under a label “with no intention of protecting NewJeans would only do us harm.”

While NewJeans’ departure from ADOR marks a significant break, the members made it clear that their decision did not signal an end to the group’s identity. Member Danielle acknowledged that the group might no longer be able to use their current name, NewJeans, but emphasized that the “essence” of the group would remain intact. “Who we are as NewJeans will not change,” she stated, underlining their commitment to maintaining their artistic integrity.

The exit is expected to lead to a major legal battle, as ADOR has stated that the group’s contract remains legally binding until July 31, 2029. ADOR has confirmed that it intends to continue managing the group, including the planned release of a new album and a world tour scheduled for next year. In a statement to Yonhap, ADOR expressed disappointment with the way NewJeans handled the situation, noting that they had not yet received a response to a certification of contents and that the press conference was held prematurely, before the matter had been thoroughly reviewed. The label insists that it has not violated the terms of the contract, and that claims of “unilateral” trust breaches are not grounds for termination.

This unexpected fallout has reverberated across the K-pop industry and has had a direct impact on Hybe’s financial performance. The company, which oversees not only ADOR but also other prominent groups like BTS, saw a sharp drop in its stock price on Friday. By the afternoon, Hybe’s shares had fallen by 4.1%, trading at $140.02 (KRW 195,200). This marks a significant shift in sentiment toward the label, which had been a dominant force in the K-pop scene for years.

The tensions between NewJeans and ADOR have been simmering for months, fueled by internal disputes within Hybe. One of the key points of contention involved a power struggle between Hybe’s board members and Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR. Hybe’s management had accused Min of attempting to seize control of the label and leaking confidential information to potential investors in a bid to fund a new venture outside the company. Min, in turn, vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that the attempts to push her out were actually a retaliation for her outspoken complaints regarding the formation of ILLIT, a new K-pop girl group signed under another Hybe subsidiary.

Min’s allegations against ILLIT were serious: she accused the new group of deliberately copying NewJeans’ look, music, and choreography. However, ADOR has denied any such claims of plagiarism. The tension surrounding these allegations further strained the relationship between NewJeans and their parent company, leading the members to demand Min’s reinstatement as CEO. They made it clear that their continued association with ADOR was contingent on Min returning to her position.

The situation came to a head last week when Min officially resigned as ADOR’s CEO after a months-long battle with Hybe’s board. Her resignation marked the culmination of a seven-month power struggle, during which NewJeans members had expressed their unwavering support for Min. However, with her departure, the group was left in a difficult position, leading to their ultimate decision to sever ties with ADOR altogether.

NewJeans’ decision to part ways with ADOR has created a ripple effect in the K-pop world, highlighting the growing tensions within the industry between talent agencies and the artists they represent. The case also underscores the increasing power dynamics between K-pop groups and the companies that manage them, with issues of mistreatment, manipulation, and mismanagement coming to the forefront.

The legal and financial implications of NewJeans’ exit from ADOR remain uncertain, with both sides preparing for what is likely to be a protracted legal battle. However, for now, the group’s decision has sparked a broader conversation about the relationships between K-pop stars and their agencies, as well as the pressures of the intense, often harsh, K-pop industry.

As Hybe continues to navigate this fallout, the future of NewJeans remains uncertain. Despite the legal challenges, their loyal fanbase remains committed to supporting them, and the group’s next steps will undoubtedly be watched closely by both fans and industry insiders alike. With tensions still high and a world tour and album release on the horizon, the drama surrounding NewJeans and ADOR is far from over, and it is likely to have lasting repercussions for both the group and their label.