NewJeans has taken a bold stance in their ongoing dispute with label ADOR and parent company HYBE. They issued a stern warning that they would terminate their exclusive contract if their demands for improved treatment were not met.
On November 14, music industry sources reported that NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein sent a certified letter to ADOR, their management agency, under their real names. The letter states:
‘Rectify all major violations of our exclusive contract within 14 days from the receipt of the letter.’
Although the specifics of NewJeans’ demands are unknown, the group reportedly highlighted ADOR’s exclusive contract violations, stating: “Given HYBE’s decision to abandon New (referring to NewJeans) and start fresh, we demand all the necessary action from ADOR as our management agency.”
The notice was allegedly sent after a confidential HYBE internal report was made public on October 24. A shocking statement in the internal monitoring report reveals, “We dealt with several days of issues from 뉴아르 (referring to NewJeans, ILLIT, and LE SSERAFIM); abandoning New and starting fresh would solve the issue.”
NewJeans members demanded to identify who made and executed the decision to abandon the group, ADOR’s sole artist, and hold accountable those who engaged in any wrongdoing. They also urged the agency to pursue civil and criminal action against breaches of trust or illegal acts uncovered.
NewJeans additionally demanded that ADOR:
- Issue a formal apology from the manager who instructed Hanni to “ignore.”
- Delete unauthorized videos, photos, and materials.
- Investigate and address damages from the forced “album push” and provide compensation.
- Resolve disputes with Dolphin Kidnapping Group’s director Shin Woo-seok and prevent existing work removal.
- Protect and preserve NewJeans’ distinct artistic identity and works.
NewJeans also demanded the return of former CEO Min Hee Jin to ADOR. The group stated, ‘We want Min Hee Jin, the former CEO, to oversee ADOR’s management and NewJeans’ production, just like before.’
They emphasized, ‘Restore ADOR to its former state, when we happily and enjoyably promoted until March 2024, after signing our exclusive contract. We miss the NewJeans that was full of dreams, with Min Hee Jin, and we want to showcase new music, performances, and creative activities.’
They threatened to terminate their contract if their demands were not met, ‘If ADOR does not accept our demands for corrective actions, we plan to terminate our exclusive contract.’
NewJeans added, ‘Currently, baseless rumors are circulating about families and relatives of NewJeans. We emphasize that NewJeans has no connection to these rumors. If anyone spreads false information to defame NewJeans, we will respond firmly.’
The statement included signatures from all members at the bottom.
They have warned ADOR before, but this time they have taken a stronger step. This is the first time they have sent a certified letter demanding action.
The issue started in April when HYBE investigated ADOR and removed CEO Min Hee Jin. NewJeans spoke out in September, asking for Min’s return to avoid problems with HYBE.
Now, NewJeans’ contract with ADOR is at risk. They want ADOR to fix the issues or face consequences.