K-Pop Group NewJeans Announced It Is Leaving Its Label ADOR But Will Have To Fight To Keep Its Name
The five group members expressed their dissatisfaction with the agency’s ability to support them, following a series of conflicts between the group and their management.
NewJeans, the popular K-pop girl group, has officially announced its decision to end its exclusive contract with its record label, ADOR, and ADOR’s parent company HYBE Corporation, for not protecting them.
The five group members announced their decision in a press conference held on Thursday Nov. 28, 2024, when they expressed their dissatisfaction with the agency's ability to support them, following a series of conflicts between the group and their management.
On Nov. 13, the group had sent a formal notice to ADOR with specific complaints and demanded action within 14 days for what they described as a "complete breakdown in trust" due to various issues.
These included management neglecting and disrespecting band member Hanni, as well as concerns over unauthorized releases of pre-debut materials and undervaluation of their achievements, according to allkpop.
The group's demands also included reinstating former CEO Min Hee Jin, who had been a significant figure in their success but resigned amid internal conflicts within HYBE.
During the press conference, Hanni said that "ADOR has neither the ability nor the will to protect NewJeans," adding that remaining with the agency would only prolong their "psychological pain" and waste time.
The group stated that they have no intention of giving up the name “NewJeans” and will continue to fight for it.
Typically under K-pop contracts, the agency retains intellectual property rights over the group's name and branding.
NewJeans said that Ador responded to them an hour before the conference. The agency told them that the 14 days given was not enough and that there were things out of ADOR’s control.
“They were never interested in the legal notice and the response was filled with their lies and excuses… We will be officially terminating our contract on the 29th,” NewJeans stated.
Industry insiders said that NewJeans likely has a strong case based on the alleged breakdown of trust, which is crucial for exclusive contracts in the entertainment industry.
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