The K-pop group formalizes the termination of the contract, citing the failure to protect its members
The press conference reveals a clash with the record label
The NewJeans group announced on Thursday (11/28) its official farewell to the ADOR record label, a subsidiary of HYBE. The decision was announced at a press conference, marking the end of a contract surrounded by public and legal conflicts between the two companies, which hit the artists with accusations of harassment, bullying, breach of contract and confidentiality. ADOR’s original CEO, Min Heejin, was ousted during the dispute with HYBE, and the quintet have publicly supported the businesswoman.
The K-pop quintet debuted in 2022 and consists of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein, aged between 16 and 20. The quintet quickly blew up, becoming a commercial phenomenon with hits such as “Super Shy”, “OMG”, “Hype Boy”, “Ditto”, “ETA” and “Attention”.
Last month, one of the band’s members said the group had been subjected to harassment by the South Korean music industry. Hanni also testified to the South Korean Parliament, denouncing harassment and bullying in the HYBE rooms. According to the singer, the ultra-competitive environment has caused physical and psychological damage.
Reporting of lack of protection
“The exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR will officially end on the 29th at midnight. Although HYBE claims to be separate from ADOR, they are essentially one entity. The ADOR we once knew is gone. Trust has been completely broken, ” Minji said.
Danielle said: “We know we won’t be able to use the NewJeans name, but that doesn’t mean we will give up on it. We will fight for NewJeans.”
Haerin commented on allegations that the contract was still in place and that they would have to pay a fine to leave: “There have been several reports of fines for dismissal. However, we have not violated our exclusive contract and have given our all in all our activities, so we don’t have to pay any fines. In fact, it is ADOR and HYBE who should pay the fines.”
Hanni underlined the reason for the decision: “We left ADOR because they were supposed to protect us, that’s the principle, but they have no intention of protecting us.”
Official response from ADOR
ADOR responded with a statement, regretting the holding of the press conference and insinuating that the interview should have been vetoed: “We regret that a press conference was planned and conducted to announce the termination of the exclusivity contract before even receiving a response to content certification and without sufficient review.”
The company denied any breach of contract: “The exclusive contracts between ADOR and NewJeans members remain valid. We therefore expect them to continue their planned activities with ADOR as they have done thus far.”
“We requested several meetings with the artists, but they did not take place. We hope that even now we can open our hearts and have sincere conversations together. ADOR will do its best to support NewJeans in its activities and help it grow further as a global artists. “
NewJeans strengthens the resolution
This Friday (11/29), NewJeans members released a statement reinforcing their position: “This termination is in accordance with our exclusive contract and all five of us have signed the termination document. The termination is effective immediately after delivery to ADOR on November 29, 2024. From that moment the exclusivity contract is null and void.”
The group stressed that it had fulfilled its contractual obligations, but ADOR’s failure to protect it was decisive. “Keeping the contract would only cause us severe mental suffering,” they said.
“Furthermore, we have been hurt and shocked by several media reports based on false information. We hope that such situations will not arise after our contractual termination.”
The members also asked for fans’ support: “We will continue to do our best to bring you amazing music. We would appreciate it if you supported and followed the days ahead for the five of us.”
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
