The chart-dominating K-pop sensation NewJeans has boldly announced their intent to sever ties with their agency, citing alleged "mistreatment" and "manipulation." In a late-night press conference held on Thursday, the five-member girl band declared their departure from Ador, a subsidiary of the influential label Hybe. Conversely, Ador stands firm, insisting that their contract with NewJeans remains intact and unbreached.
This controversial split marks a new chapter in the long-simmering feud between former NewJeans producer Min Hee-Jin and Hybe's chairman Bang Si-hyuk, which has garnered widespread attention in South Korea. One brave member of the group, Hanni, shared her personal ordeal of workplace harassment during her tenure with the label.
"This is not the professional ethics we admire, nor do we wish to associate ourselves with it. Continuing to work under a company that fails to uphold its duty to protect NewJeans would only bring us further harm," Hanni expressed, her voice filled with resolve. She further revealed that the mistreatment extended beyond the members to their staff, detailing deliberate miscommunications and manipulations across various aspects.
Ador, on the other hand, maintains its stance that the contract with NewJeans remains valid due to no breach of duties and urges the group to continue their activities with the agency. "A unilateral claim of trust breach does not constitute grounds for contract termination," Ador stated after the group's announcement, expressing regret that the press conference was held prematurely without considering their response.
NewJeans has expressed their desire to collaborate with Min, the group's former creative genius who parted ways with Ador in August amid accusations of planning to leave Hybe with NewJeans, thereby separating them from Hybe's influence. Min has steadfastly denied these allegations against her.
Previously, Min accused Hybe of launching another girl group, Illit, which she claimed copied NewJeans' music and aesthetics. On November 13, NewJeans served Ador with a legal notice, demanding the resolution of breaches within 14 days, threatening contract termination if unmet.
The group has sought an apology for alleged comments made by an executive at Belift Lab, another Hybe subsidiary, accusing the company of workplace bullying and requesting the immediate reinstatement of Min. They affirmed their commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations but warned fans that they might not be able to use the band's name post-contract termination.
Prior to their announcement, NewJeans were bound by a seven-year contract, expiring in 2029, with a clause allowing unilateral termination for breach of duties. However, with both parties at odds, the matter is poised to go to court, where a judge will determine contract termination and any damages owed.
In October, Koreaboo estimated that the members would owe around 300 billion South Korean Won (approximately £170 million) for early contract termination. Group singer Haerin rejected the notion, stating, "It's absurd that we'd have to pay for breaching the contract. We never violated any rules; we only gave our best. Hybe and Ador are at fault."
Ador responded by asserting that they had not violated contract terms and respectfully requested the group's continued collaboration on future activities. "Despite numerous attempts to meet with the artists, our efforts were unsuccessful. We hope the members will now engage in open and honest discussions," they said, referring to NewJeans.
The group has been entangled in a year-long saga of audits and emotional accusations, dominating South Korean headlines. In October, Hanni, 20, testified at a hearing on workplace harassment at the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly. She accused Hybe of deliberately undermining her band and senior managers of ignoring her intentionally.
"After several incidents, I realized it wasn't just a feeling. I genuinely believed the company hated us," she shared, her voice tinged with disappointment. Hybe's shares dipped by 4% in Seoul trading on Friday.
Debuting in 2022, NewJeans quickly rose to become one of Hybe's most successful K-pop groups, alongside BTS. With chart-topping hits like "Super Shy" and "OMG," NewJeans ranked as the eighth biggest-selling act globally last year and was nominated for Best Group at this year's MTV Awards.
Formed by Ador in 2022, the five members - Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein - aged between 16 and 20, have captivated audiences worldwide with their captivating charm and talent.
