NewJeans, one of K-pop’s rising stars, has announced the termination of their exclusive contract with HYBE’s sublabel, ADOR. The group stated that they can no longer trust the company due to alleged repeated breaches of contract and mistreatment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation:
Why Did NewJeans Terminate Their Contract?
The members claim that during their two years under ADOR and HYBE, they’ve already earned profits far beyond the company’s initial investments. According to the group, this counters ADOR’s argument that the contract remains valid until the company fully recoups its investment.
NewJeans highlighted key reasons for their decision:
- Broken Trust: They accused ADOR and HYBE of repeatedly violating the contract and failing to protect their artists.
- Maltreatment: They claimed that ADOR harassed their managers and performance directors by confiscating laptops and conducting sudden investigations.
- Unreasonable Demands: The group stated it would be “inhumane” to work under these conditions for five more years, as outlined in the original contract.
ADOR Responds with a Lawsuit
Despite NewJeans’ claims, ADOR has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract. The company argues:
- They have not violated any terms of the agreement.
- A “unilateral breakdown in trust” is not a legal reason to terminate the contract.
- The lawsuit is necessary to prevent misunderstandings that could affect NewJeans’ activities in the entertainment industry.
In their statement, ADOR called this legal step an “inevitable decision” to clarify the contract’s terms and avoid confusion among stakeholders.
What’s Next for NewJeans?
Even after declaring their contract terminated on November 29, NewJeans has committed to completing their scheduled activities with ADOR. However, they expressed regret that ADOR has allegedly misled the public by suggesting the contract remains valid.
The group hopes that the legal process will reveal ADOR’s alleged breaches of contract and justify their decision to leave the agency.
A Battle in the Spotlight
This situation has drawn significant attention from fans and the global music industry. While ADOR seeks to protect its reputation and clarify its stance, NewJeans stands firm in their claims of mistreatment.
With the legal proceedings now underway, the K-pop world watches closely as one of its brightest groups fights for independence and fair treatment.
