Group Terminates Contract in Response to Unmet Demands
On November 29, 2024, K-pop sensation NewJeans made a bold statement, confirming their decision to part ways with ADOR, the label under HYBE. The group officially ended their exclusive contract, citing unresolved issues with the company’s management and its failure to address critical concerns. The move follows a series of escalating tensions between the group and their agency, which reached a boiling point in a dramatic press conference held on November 28.
Key Reasons for Departure
NewJeans expressed dissatisfaction with ADOR’s lack of reform plans and their failure to respond to the group’s requests. According to their statement, despite multiple attempts to engage in constructive dialogue, ADOR continuously evaded communication, hindering any potential for resolution. This breakdown in communication, combined with the company’s inability to protect the members’ interests, led to the group’s decision to sever ties.
The Timeline of Events
Earlier, on November 13, 2024, NewJeans had issued a legal notice to ADOR, demanding the agency address several breaches of their exclusive contract. The group had set a deadline of 14 days for the company to resolve the issues. However, when that period passed with no meaningful action from ADOR, NewJeans chose to make their intentions public.
At their press conference, member Minji confirmed that the contract would be terminated at midnight on November 29, 2024, and that the group would now pursue activities independently, free from the constraints of HYBE and ADOR.
ADOR’s Response
In contrast, ADOR released a statement expressing regret over NewJeans’ decision to announce the termination publicly. The company stated that the press conference had been held without first receiving a response to the certification of contents, arguing that the matter had not been properly reviewed. Despite this, ADOR maintained that no contractual violations had occurred, and they hoped for continued discussions with the group to resolve the situation amicably.
The Broader Implications for K-pop Agencies
This high-profile contract termination raises significant questions about the power dynamics between K-pop artists and their agencies. As one of the most influential K-pop groups under the HYBE umbrella, NewJeans’ decision to go independent signals a shift in the K-pop industry’s evolving landscape. The group’s departure highlights the growing importance of artist autonomy and the need for agencies to listen to their talent’s concerns in an industry known for its intense pressures.
The situation also casts a spotlight on the increasing legal and public relations complexities that K-pop agencies face as they balance corporate interests with artist satisfaction. As the group moves forward without ADOR, their next steps will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.