In a dramatic late-night press conference, K-Pop sensation NewJeans revealed their decision to leave Ador, a subsidiary of the renowned Hybe Corporation. The group's exit comes on the heels of a contentious row concerning claims of "mistreatment" and "manipulation" by the agency. Hanni, one of the group's members, indicated that they felt neglected by the company, stating, "This is not the type of work ethic we respect." She further detailed that the group suffered not only personally but also saw their staff treated poorly.
This split escalates an ongoing feud involving former producer Min Hee-Jin, who recently departed from Ador amid allegations of planning a separation from Hybe along with NewJeans, aiming for independence. Min has faced criticism but denied the claims, while also suggesting that Hybe's efforts to launch another girl group named Illit seemed to mimic NewJeans's music and style.
On November 13, NewJeans took a significant step by filing a legal notice demanding that Ador address breaches of their exclusive contracts within a stipulated 14-day period. Failing to comply with their demands may lead to a contract termination. The group is seeking an apology regarding allegations against a manager accused of bullying, as well as the immediate reinstatement of Min. While they confirm their commitment to fulfilling their contractual responsibilities, they advised their fanbase of potential issues surrounding the band's name going forward.
With a seven-year contract set to expire in 2029, estimates suggest that the band would need to pay a whopping 300 billion South Korean Won (approximately £170 million) to terminate their contract early. However, group member Haerin expressed disbelief at the idea of their liability for any breach, stating firmly, "We never broke any rules." Ador, on the other hand, has claimed that it has not violated contract terms, expressing a desire for continued collaboration.
The group has been embroiled in extensive controversies marked by audits and emotional claims that have dominated South Korean headlines for over a year. In a notable incident last month, Hanni testified before South Korea's National Assembly regarding workplace harassment, accusing the agency of deliberate subversion against the group. Following various incidents, she dramatically claimed, "I was honestly convinced that the company hated us."
NewJeans, which debuted in 2022, has quickly soared to fame as one of Hybe's top acts, alongside global icons BTS, delivering chart-topping hits such as "Super Shy" and "OMG." The group garnered impressive sales the previous year, solidifying their status by securing a nomination for Best Group at this year's MTV Awards. With ages ranging from 16 to 20, the future trajectory of NewJeans now hangs in the balance as they navigate this turbulent period.
