NewJeans members announced that they will part ways with HYBE’s brand ADOR.
During a late-night press conference on Thursday (November 28), the five-member K-pop group, which was formed in 2022, revealed that they would be severing ties with ADOR due to the company’s alleged breach of contract.
“Once we leave ADOR, our goal is to be free to pursue the activities we truly desire,” member Danielle said, according to Reuters. “We really hope to be able to release new music for Bunnies as soon as next year, whenever that may be,” she added, referring to the band’s fan base. “We really hope we get a chance to meet you from all over the world.”
NewJeans also said they may no longer be able to use their group name after the contract is terminated.
In response, ADOR insisted that its agreement with NewJeans “remains in full force and effect.” The label urged the group to continue collaborating on upcoming projects. “We respectfully ask the group to continue working with ADOR,” the statement read, according to Reuters.
NewJeans’ announcement comes amid a months-long management dispute between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who also serves as the group’s creative director. Earlier this year, HYBE accused Hee-jin of trying to make the company independent, a claim Hee-jin denied. In a press conference on Thursday, NewJeans expressed its desire to continue working with Heejin.
Earlier this month, NewJeans sent HYBE a legal notice outlining a series of demands, including reinstating Min Hee-jin as CEO of ADOR. The group warned that it would terminate the contract if their demands were not met, CNBC reported. NewJeans previously signed a seven-year contract with ADOR, expiring in 2029. rolling stones Report.
In October, NewJeans member Hannie tearfully testified before South Korea’s parliament, claiming she experienced workplace harassment at her company. The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office announced on November 20 that it had concluded its investigation and concluded that Hanni could not be considered an employee under the law.
