NewJeans faces fury from different institutions over contract drama with HYBE

NewJeans made a major move on November 28, 2024, announcing their shocking split from ADOR at an emergency press conference. The group accused their agency of failing to address their concerns, protect their interests, or implement important reforms. Their choice to terminate their contract has left K-pop insiders with a lot to say, and not everyone is applauding. Major organizations KEPA and KMF quickly called out the decision, arguing it could shake the foundations of the industry.

KEPA, representing producers, warned that sudden exits like this waste the trust needed to sustain relationships in K-pop. Their reasons? the insane amount of time, money, and energy agencies use for training idols. According to them, moves like this scare off future investors and set a messy precedent for other artists. KMF echoed these worries, stressing that artist-agency relationships should be all about teamwork—not an open invitation to leave their companies.

NewJeans, however, isn’t taking steps back. The group insists their decision was necessary after ADOR ignored a legal notice to resolve contract violations. While ADOR claimed the group acted without notice, NewJeans clapped back. They stated that company’s inaction prompted to decide to exit their way out of ADOR.