K-pop group NewJeans has accused HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk of pressuring them to cancel a performance in Hong Kong.
Their performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong is significant as it will be their first show since rebranding as NJZ. However, their agency ADOR has denied the allegations from the group members and their parents.
Earlier, the parents of NewJeans members posted on social media, claiming, “We were informed by a staff member of Complexcon, who was helping with the concert preparations, that Chairman Bang Si-hyuk of HYBE personally called American officials to persuade them to cancel the concert of NJZ members.”
They added, “It was extremely unpleasant and infuriating. It seemed that HYBE still views the members as nothing more than a means to make money, without any genuine support or encouragement for their success. Instead, they appear to be intent on hindering and sabotaging their efforts.”
ADOR released an official statement, saying, “We did not persuade NewJeans to cancel their Hong Kong concert. We also confirmed that Chairman Bang Si Hyuk did not contact anyone related to NewJeans’ Hong Kong concert.”
They added, “We requested the organizers to use the official team name ‘NewJeans’ and to proceed with the concert through ADOR, as per our exclusive contract.”
NewJeans members have been pursuing independent activities since announcing the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR last November. However, the label claims their contract remains valid until July 2029. As a result, ADOR has filed a lawsuit to confirm the contract’s validity and applied for an injunction to maintain their agency status and block the group from signing advertising deals.
The court hearings are scheduled for March 7 and April 3.
Five major Korean music organizations are pushing for anti-interference laws to prevent industry tampering. The move comes amid growing confusion caused by the NewJeans controversy. The organizations want to prevent similar incidents in the future.
