As we step into 2025, the girl group NewJeans has taken significant steps in their ongoing contract dispute with ADOR. The group asserts that their contract was effectively terminated on November 29 of the previous year and is now actively seeking a new group name independent of the agency.
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, a prominent figure in the unfolding drama, has remained notably silent. Despite her previous vocal criticisms of HYBE and ADOR, she has refrained from making any public comments regarding what many are calling the ‘NewJeans Crisis.’
Industry insiders are observing a stark contrast in the situation; while Min Hee-jin’s silence grows, NewJeans’ protests seem to amplify. In light of this turmoil, the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) announced last year that it would cease providing digital and physical sales data for artists embroiled in disputes of this nature, signaling that such controversies could have detrimental effects.
A KMCA representative recently addressed the implications of the NewJeans Crisis on the broader K-pop market. They expressed various concerns, stating, “NewJeans cannot even distinguish between a bond performance contract and an investment contract. For those with a foundational understanding of business in this market, their stance seems unworthy of response. Nonetheless, they persist in vocalizing their position, which worries me as it may negatively influence impressionable teenagers.”
The representative further highlighted concerns that the logic presented by NewJeans members might inadvertently shape the beliefs of younger fans. They emphasized that Min Hee-jin should have intervened to curb NewJeans’ public discourse on these issues if she had the best interests of the members at heart.
They remarked, “Conflicts are an inherent part of business, and disputes can be resolved through legal channels. However, continuously broadcasting details of the dispute and conducting press conferences can tarnish the artists’ reputations and the K-pop industry as a whole.”
The representative also raised alarms about the potential impact on investor sentiments related to the K-pop industry, arguing, “If contracts can be terminated unilaterally and without notice, who would want to invest in K-pop? Over time, findable investors will shy away from such unreliable ventures.”
As speculation about rising disputes in the K-pop industry grows, the representative explained, “This trend stems from the influx of substantial financial resources. At its core, the NewJeans Crisis revolves around monetary issues.”
Commenting on the dynamics between NewJeans and Min Hee-jin, the industry insider stated, “NewJeans seems to be placing emotional allegiance above business pragmatism. They feel compelled to support an individual whom they believe has been treated unjustly. With maturity and a deeper understanding of business intricacies, the members may reassess their current stance. However, at this juncture, their reactions appear overly emotional.”
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