NewJeans’ manager had filed a report against ADOR, alleging workplace bullying. However, after a thorough investigation, prosecutors have announced that the label will not face charges.
The workplace bullying case against ADOR, filed by a NewJeans manager, has been closed with no charges.
The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office has dismissed the case against CEO Kim Joo Young due to insufficient evidence.
In December 2024, the manager filed a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, accusing Mr. Kim of workplace bullying. He alleged that he was tricked, illegally confined for three hours, and forced to hand over his personal phone.
NewJeans members Minji, Haerin, Danielle, Hanni, and Hyein also backed up the allegations. They claimed that ADOR and HYBE confiscated laptops from managers and performance directors, and then questioned them out of the blue.
The agency swiftly rejected the allegations, saying that their actions were justified. They stated that the manager was on standby for maritime conduct and that the laptop return request was made in accordance with standard protocols.
Regarding this, ADOR stated, “Mr. A had directly contacted the advertiser, excluding the company and urging direct contract signing between brands,” They revealed. “Mr. A himself acknowledges having made such communications.”
ADOR continued, “Inevitably, we placed the employee on standby and requested the return of the company asset, the laptop. Throughout this process, there were no coercive actions, including illegal confinement.” Mr. A submitted the laptop after formatting it.
Following a three-month probe, the Ministry of Employment and Labor ruled in ADOR’s favor. Mr. A can file an appeal, but new evidence is required to reopen the case.
Meanwhile, NewJeans terminated its contract with ADOR in November last year and has since been managing activities independently. While the court has to decide whether or not their exclusive contract is valid, NewJeans has changed its name to NJZ and will make its first appearance after rebranding at ComplexCon Hong Kong in March.
