CHART-topping K-pop group NewJeans announced on Thursday (Nov 28) that they are parting ways with their label ADOR, citing “mistreatment” as the reason for their decision.
This announcement comes two weeks after the girl group issued an ultimatum to ADOR’s parent company, HYBE, demanding specific changes or they would terminate their contract.
“From midnight today, our contract will be terminated with ADOR,” NewJeans member Minji stated during a press conference.
NewJeans, which debuted in 2022, has quickly become one of HYBE’s most successful groups, rising to international stardom.
However, according to band member Hanni, the group and their staff have faced mistreatment at the hands of the company.
She also accused ADOR of “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation” on various fronts.
“This is not the type of work ethic we respect, and we don’t want to be part of it,” Hanni explained. “To continue working under a company that has no intention of protecting NewJeans would only harm us.”
In response, ADOR issued a statement expressing regret that the press conference was “planned and conducted without sufficient review.”
The company maintained that the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR “remains in full effect” and urged the group to continue collaborating on upcoming activities, as they have done in the past.
Despite the tensions, the group has vowed to fulfill their contractual obligations but acknowledged that their ability to use the “NewJeans” name could be in question.
“That doesn’t mean we are giving up on the name,” said member Danielle. “NewJeans never die. We will continue to fight for NewJeans.”
NewJeans’ demands to HYBE also included an apology for alleged bullying comments by a company manager and the immediate reinstatement of their producer, Min Hee-jin, who resigned from ADOR’s board of directors last week following allegations of a breach of trust.
This resignation has led to a legal and public relations battle between HYBE and ADOR.
The group’s decision to leave ADOR marks a significant moment in the K-pop industry, highlighting the growing tensions between artists and their management companies.