NewJeans: HYBE and ADOR Unite to Alleviate Mental Suffering

NewJeans Publicly Announce Split from ADOR

On November 28, 2024, at a critical press conference held at 8:30 PM KST, K-pop group NewJeans announced their decision to terminate their ties with the ADOR agency. They attributed this significant move to ADOR’s consistent failure to address the band’s grievances in a timely manner.

Press Conference Insights

During the session, member Hanni expressed, “The YouTube live session we held in September and the correction demands sent two weeks ago were collective decisions made by all five members. We felt compelled to call this urgent conference as the deadline for our demands ends at midnight tonight. Unfortunately, both HYBE and ADOR have shown no intention to resolve our concerns despite it being outside regular business hours.”

Hanni elaborated on the urgency of the situation, noting, “With our upcoming overseas schedule in Japan, we wanted to clarify our position and avoid any potential media manipulation from HYBE and ADOR. This led us to hold this press conference.”

Reasons for Departure from ADOR

Explaining their departure, Hanni stated, “Our decision to part ways with ADOR is straightforward. As our agency, ADOR has a duty to protect us but lacks the will and capability to fulfill that role. Remaining with ADOR would only extend our mental distress without providing us any professional benefits.”

Fellow member Minji added, “Effective at midnight tonight, we will terminate our exclusive contract with ADOR. However, they are attempting to shift the blame solely onto HYBE. It’s important to recognize that both entities function as one. Significant changes have occurred at ADOR with abrupt dismissals of key staff, which makes it unacceptable to continue our contract under these conditions.”

Frustration with the Process

Minji further clarified, “Despite submitting our correction demands, we have only received a half-hearted statement and unproductive email responses. Our concerns remain unaddressed, and after numerous requests, it is evident they lack any genuine intention to resolve these issues, leading to our exhaustion.”

Notably, even with the contract termination, NewJeans confirmed they would honor their commitments and schedules already in place. They also announced their refusal to pay any termination penalties, amounting to an estimated $400 million.

NewJeans expressed they have “nothing to say” to Bang Si-hyuk but are keen to continue collaboration with Min Hee-jin, who has been pivotal in their development.

Background and Previous Developments

Earlier, on November 13, the group sent an official notice to ADOR, highlighting their concerns over inadequate protection from the agency. While ADOR acknowledged receipt on November 14, their lack of action prompted NewJeans to convene the press conference, underscoring ADOR’s unwillingness to comply with their requests.

Adding to the uncertainty, Min Hee-jin’s exit from ADOR on November 20 diminished any hopes for her reinstatement—a key demand from NewJeans’ correction notice. The entertainment industry is closely observing the group’s next steps amidst these developments.

Prior to this situation, at the Korea Grand Music Awards on November 16, NewJeans had attracted attention with remarks that conveyed their resilience, asserting, “NewJeans never dies.”

For further information, check out the source: Nate.

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