NJZ (NewJeans) Family Claims “Bang Si-hyuk Personally Intervened to Stop Performance,” ADOR Responds

On February 19, ADOR issued a formal statement countering allegations that Bang Si-hyuk attempted to thwart NJZ (NewJeans) from performing in Hong Kong. Here’s the full statement:

“ADOR never encouraged NewJeans to cancel their Hong Kong concert.

Chairman Bang Si-hyuk also confirmed that he had never had any contact with New Jeans regarding their Hong Kong performance.

ADOR requested that the organizers use the official team name ‘NewJeans’, as requested by the domestic media, and that the performance be held through ADOR based on the artist’s exclusive contract.”

On the same day, the parents’ association of NJZ members including Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein addressed the media. They issued a statement through the account “njz_pr”, responding to an earlier release by five Korean music organizations that criticized NewJeans.

The NJZ Parents’ Association emphasized the following points in their extensive statement:

“Greetings.

This morning, we observed that five organizations released a message to the media: the Korea Entertainment Management Association, the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, the Korea Music Label Industry Association, the Korea Record Industry Association, and the Korea Music Content Association.

We express our regret over their statements that seem to undermine the fairness of the ongoing legal proceedings while relying on unverified claims. It is crucial to understand that the preliminary injunction and lawsuit hearings have yet to commence. Unlike companies that have access to various media channels to articulate their stances, artists often find themselves with limited avenues for communication. Thus, we hope you appreciate the length of our statement.

Key Concerns from the NJZ Parents’ Association

The five organizations assert that NJZ members should resolve their conflicts privately, yet we believe the public remembers who initially ignited this media frenzy with unfounded accusations aimed at displacing the former ADOR CEO, who was then addressing significant internal issues at HYBE. This tactic, which emerged just a week prior to a major comeback, raises skepticism about the associations’ motives.
They claim that public discourse regarding this matter is damaging to the K-pop industry; however, the real casualties of this biased media narrative are the NJZ members and their dedicated fans. The financial struggles experienced by HYBE, including stock price drops, are their concerns to manage, rather than reflective of the greater K-pop ecosystem.
While these organizations have noted that allegations can proliferate online unchecked, this is an undeniable reality. Many false narratives regarding NJZ members persist on the internet, proliferated by various media outlets and precarious online channels. Artists lack the leverage to repel such damaging falsehoods, which highlights a broader issue within the industry regarding the treatment of its talent.
The assertion that NJZ members are engaging in independent ventures despite legally binding contracts with ADOR is misleading. Families of the artists have attested to the absence of protective frameworks for trainees and artists against unjust contract conditions. The contradiction in the associations’ insistence on maintaining industry stability while neglecting artist welfare is profoundly troubling.

It’s well-known that HYBE has marginalized NJZ members, and ADOR has not adequately defended their interests. Reports suggest that ADOR has even attempted to hinder NewJeans’ success, leaving the members with no alternative but to terminate their contracts. Legally, contract termination is immediate, thereby freeing them to pursue their careers without restrictions.

The urgency of the five organizations to push for new legislation ahead of the trial raises concerns about their motivations and the potential for coercive tactics against individual rights. Their perspective seems to advocate for exclusive contracts that resemble servitude, with little regard for the artists’ wellbeing.

The Bigger Picture for K-Pop

This dispute is not indicative of a systemic crisis in the K-pop industry but rather a confrontation between specific entities over issues of fairness. The NJZ members’ bold stance may pave the way for a more vibrant and inclusive K-pop landscape, fostering an environment where diverse artists can flourish.

Moreover, framing investments in trainees as a debt is troubling. Trainees sacrifice their formative years and personal lives for their careers, and mutual good faith in contracts is a foundational obligation rather than a one-sided demand.

During the preparation of this statement, we learned that the five organizations are planning a press conference on February 27 at JW Marriott Hotel, reportedly inviting numerous journalists and providing meals. This raises ethical dilemmas concerning potential media influence as outlined by Korea’s anti-bribery laws.

We urgently call upon these associations to cease their one-sided media campaign that serves only a single company’s interests. For sustainable growth in the K-pop industry, entities that exploit artists must be held responsible. The resolution of this matter will ultimately lie with the court’s decision.

Finally, we were informed that HYBE’s chairman allegedly pressured U. S.officials regarding NJZ’s performance. This, coupled with the statement from the associations today, suggests a coordinated effort that raises more questions than answers about their intentions.

NJZ members are set to perform at ComplexCon in Hong Kong and are eager to showcase a new chapter to their global audience after overcoming obstacles. We sincerely request your continued support. Thank you.”

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