K-Pop group NewJeans split from agency in mistreatment row
4 min read
K-Pop group NewJeans
K-pop sensation NewJeans has announced they are leaving their agency, Ador, accusing it of mistreatment and manipulation. The five-member girl group, known for their chart-topping hits, held a late-night press conference to reveal their decision to part ways with Ador, a subsidiary of the powerhouse label Hybe.
However, Ador has rejected the band’s claims, stating that their contract with NewJeans remains valid and that the agency has not breached any terms. The agency expressed disappointment that NewJeans made the announcement without allowing them to respond to the band’s demands.
This dispute is the latest chapter in an ongoing conflict between NewJeans’ former producer, Min Hee-Jin, and Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk, which has been making headlines in South Korea. NewJeans member Hanni, in particular, accused the agency of workplace harassment. She described the mistreatment as not only affecting the band but also their staff, citing deliberate miscommunications and manipulation in various areas of their work.
The group’s grievances include allegations of workplace bullying and mistreatment by senior management. Hanni emphasized that the group could not continue working under a company that failed to protect them. “This is not the type of work ethic we respect. Continuing to work under a company that doesn’t protect us would only do harm,” she said. The band also criticized the lack of proper communication, saying it hindered their progress and well-being.
In response, Ador maintains that the contract with NewJeans is still valid, stressing that a unilateral claim of broken trust does not provide legal grounds to terminate the agreement. The agency expressed regret that the group went public with their issues before receiving a formal response. They asked NewJeans to continue their work with the company and requested an open discussion with the band members.
NewJeans has expressed a desire to work with Min, their former mastermind and key creative force, who left Ador in August. Min had allegedly planned to sever ties with Hybe and make NewJeans an independent entity, but she has denied these accusations. Her departure followed disagreements over the formation of another girl group under Hybe, Illit, which Min believes was modeled after NewJeans’ image and music.
On November 13, NewJeans took legal action against Ador, demanding the company resolve breaches of their exclusive contracts within two weeks. They also requested an apology for alleged bullying comments made by an executive at Belift Lab, another Hybe subsidiary. The group made it clear that they were willing to fulfill their contractual obligations, but warned that they might no longer be able to use the band name after the contract ends.
NewJeans is currently bound to a seven-year contract, which is set to run until 2029. This agreement includes a clause that allows for unilateral termination if the other party breaches the terms. However, both sides appear headed for a legal showdown, as they remain in disagreement over whether the contract should be terminated. In the event of a lawsuit, a judge will decide whether the contract should be nullified and whether either party is owed damages.
In an interview, NewJeans’ member Haerin stated that it made no sense for the group to be responsible for a breach fee. “We never broke any rules. We did nothing but try our best. They are the ones at fault,” she said, placing the blame on Hybe and Ador for the ongoing issues.
The legal battle has been highly publicized, with NewJeans’ dispute with Ador attracting significant attention in the K-pop industry. In October, Hanni testified before South Korea’s National Assembly, detailing her experience of workplace harassment. She accused Hybe of undermining the group and ignoring their concerns. Hanni’s emotional testimony sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of K-pop idols within the industry.
The ongoing drama has had an impact on Hybe, as the company saw a 4% drop in its stock price following the news of the dispute. NewJeans, despite the controversies, remains one of the most successful K-pop groups under Hybe, alongside global superstars BTS. Their breakout year included major hits like Super Shy and OMG, and they were nominated for Best Group at the MTV Music Awards.
Formed in 2022 by Ador, NewJeans quickly became a global sensation with their fresh sound and striking visual style. The five members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—ranged in age from 16 to 20 when the group debuted. With their growing popularity and accolades, including being named one of the top-selling acts worldwide in 2023, the group’s split with Ador marks a major turning point in their career.
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