K-Pop group NewJeans split from agency in mistreatment row

The K-Pop sensation NewJeans has made headlines recently as they announced their departure from their agency, Ador, due to allegations of mistreatment and manipulation. The five-member girl group, known for their catchy tunes and vibrant performances, held a press conference late Thursday night to share their decision. They expressed their concerns about the way they were treated by Ador, which is a subsidiary of the larger entertainment company, Hybe. In response, Ador has stated that their contract with NewJeans remains intact, claiming that they have not violated any terms of the agreement. This situation is part of a larger conflict involving Min Hee-Jin, a former producer for NewJeans, and Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of Hybe. This ongoing dispute has captured the attention of the South Korean media. During the press conference, Hanni, one of the members, voiced her frustrations, saying, 'This is not the type of work ethic we respect and not one we want to be a part of. ' She elaborated on the mistreatment they faced, stating that it affected not only the group but also their staff. Hanni mentioned that there were instances of 'deliberate miscommunications and manipulation in multiple areas,' which contributed to their decision to leave. Ador responded to the group's announcement by asserting that they have not breached their contractual obligations and urged NewJeans to continue their activities with the agency. They stated, 'A unilateral claim that trust has been broken does not constitute valid grounds for termination of a contract. ' Ador expressed regret that the press conference occurred without sufficient dialogue and before they could respond to the group's demands. NewJeans has expressed a desire to work with Min, their former producer, who left Ador in August amid accusations that she intended to take the group away from Hybe, making them independent. Min has denied these allegations. On November 13, NewJeans filed a legal notice to Ador, demanding that the agency address breaches of their exclusive contracts within 14 days. They warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to the termination of their contracts. Additionally, they requested an apology for a comment allegedly made by an executive at Belift Lab, another subsidiary of Hybe, and accused the company of workplace bullying. They also called for the immediate reinstatement of Min. While NewJeans stated they would fulfill their contractual obligations, they cautioned their fans that they might not be able to use the band's name if the contract is terminated. Prior to this announcement, NewJeans was bound by a seven-year contract that extends until 2029. The contract includes a clause that allows either party to unilaterally terminate the agreement if the other party has violated its duties. However, since both sides disagree on the matter, it is likely to be resolved in court, where a judge will determine whether the contract can be terminated and if any damages are owed. In October, a K-Pop news site estimated that the members would have to pay a significant amount, around £170 million, to terminate the contract early. However, Haerin, one of the singers, argued that it was unreasonable to expect them to pay a breach fee, stating, 'We never broke any rules. We did nothing but try our best - they are the ones at fault. ' Ador maintained that they have not violated the terms of the contract and respectfully requested that the group continue their collaboration on upcoming activities. They mentioned that despite multiple requests for meetings with the artists, they have not been successful in arranging discussions. The group has been involved in a year-long controversy, with audits and emotional accusations making headlines in South Korea. In October, Hanni testified at a hearing before the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly, alleging that Hybe had deliberately undermined her band and that senior managers ignored her concerns. She expressed her realization that this was not just a feeling, saying, 'I was honestly convinced that the company hated us. ' Following these developments, Hybe's shares fell by 4% in trading on Friday. NewJeans made their debut in 2022 and quickly became one of Hybe's most successful K-Pop groups, alongside BTS. With hit songs like Super Shy and OMG, NewJeans was the eighth biggest-selling act in the world last year and received a nomination for best group at this year's MTV Awards. The group consists of five members: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, who range in age from 16 to 20.