Concerns Over NewJeans’ Public Support: “A Dangerous Precedent in K-Pop” by Bada & Ock Joo-hyun

A Turning Point for NewJeans: Analyzing Their Contract Dispute with ADOR

On October 28, NewJeans publicly announced their decision to terminate exclusive contracts with ADOR, despite having five years remaining. During an urgent press conference, the group members expressed their intention to retain the NewJeans name. While they continue participating in scheduled engagements with ADOR, they launched an independent social media account named “jeanzforfree,” signaling a strong desire for creative autonomy.

Industry Support and Growing Popularity

The new account quickly attracted a substantial following, drawing interest from fans and public figures alike, including baseball star Kim Do-young and actress Shim Eun-kyung. This influx of support from both celebrities and industry veterans highlights the group’s significant impact within the K-Pop landscape.

Support from Respected K-Pop Veterans

On December 17, Ock Joo-hyun from Fin.K.L endorsed NewJeans’ track “Ditto” during her appearance on SBS PowerFM’s “Wendy’s Young Street.” She conveyed her admiration for the group, stating, “I believe they’ll evolve into phenomenal artists capable of expressing profound emotions through their music.”In a similar vein, Bada from S.E.S also expressed her support on KBS CoolFM, mentioning their cover of the song “Supernatural” and wishing them well amid their current tribulations. Alongside this, S.E.S’s Eugene shared her approval on social media by posting photos from NewJeans’ album cover.

A Complex Narrative: Not Just Victims

Despite the outpouring of support, some analyses in Korean media remind us that NewJeans is not merely a victim caught in an unfortunate situation but rather an active participant in a complex contractual dispute. Allegations of workplace harassment have surfaced; however, their initiatives, including the emergency press conference and the launch of their independent social media account, have been interpreted as potential violations of their contractual obligations.

Industry Associations Disapprove

Several organizations, such as the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association, have raised alarms over NewJeans’ actions, warning about potential harm to the K-Pop industry’s stability. A spokesperson from the latter association asserted, “Allowing exclusive contracts to be terminated based solely on one-sided claims sets a perilous precedent that could jeopardize the sustainability of Korea’s entertainment sector.”

Allegations of Impropriety

The situation is further complicated by allegations of “tampering.” Reports indicate that former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin allegedly met with a chairman from Company D and a relative of a NewJeans member to deliberate on creating a family-operated management agency. If substantiated, these allegations could lead to severe civil and criminal ramifications.

Public Support and Its Implications

Although the public’s backing for NewJeans may be well-meaning, critics emphasize the necessity for cautious evaluation of such endorsements. The ramifications of vocal support could ripple through the K-Pop industry, necessitating thoughtful consideration by both fans and industry insiders.

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