ENTERTAINMENT
NewJeans Announces Departure from ADOR Amidst Legal Dispute
In an official statement released on the 6th, NewJeans stated, "ADOR has failed to properly assert that there was no breach of contract in their statement, instead repeating claims that the exclusive contract cannot be terminated until the company's support and investments are recouped. We have already returned profits exceeding the investments to ADOR and HYBE."
The group further expressed, "Trust in ADOR and HYBE, who have repeatedly violated contract terms and failed to fulfill their duty to protect their artists, has already collapsed. According to the exclusive contract, there is no longer a reason to work with ADOR and HYBE. The contract clearly states that we can terminate it if ADOR fails to fulfill its obligations. Forcing us to work for five more years despite this breach of trust and contract is not only unreasonable but inhumane."
NewJeans emphasized, "To be clear, as of November 29, 2024, we are no longer under ADOR. ADOR cannot interfere or intervene in our activities."
Previously, on the 28th of last month, NewJeans announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR during an emergency press conference, citing reasons such as management changes and director replacements for the breakdown of trust. They also addressed the astronomical penalty fees, stating, "We have never breached the exclusive contract, so the responsibility lies with ADOR and HYBE." The group expressed their desire to continue using the name NewJeans and mentioned their willingness to work with CEO Min Hee-jin if possible.
In response, ADOR stated, "On the 3rd, we filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to legally confirm the validity of the exclusive contract with NewJeans."
Meanwhile, Min Hee-jin faces allegations of tampering. A media outlet reported that Min Hee-jin attempted to orchestrate her return as ADOR's CEO by manipulating NewJeans' live broadcasts and Hani's appearance at a national audit. The report also included allegations of tampering, revealing photos and conversations of Min Hee-jin meeting with Company D to discuss investment attraction.
Min Hee-jin has not provided an explanation for the detailed report but has confirmed the lawsuit. As tampering has been a core issue in the ongoing internal conflict between HYBE and Min Hee-jin since April, a proper explanation and rebuttal are deemed necessary.
Hello, this is Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.
We apologize for releasing this statement amidst such a tumultuous situation.
We learned through the media that ADOR has filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of our exclusive contract. ADOR has failed to properly assert that there was no breach of contract, instead repeating claims that the exclusive contract cannot be terminated until the company's support and investments are recouped.
However, we have already returned profits exceeding the investments to ADOR and HYBE. Despite this, HYBE has attempted to undermine our value through slander and reverse viral tactics, while ADOR, after a change in management, has allowed this to happen. It is as if the company, which should protect us, has produced malicious comments itself. Considering this breakdown of trust, we have determined that we are likely to suffer more harm in the future.
Trust in ADOR and HYBE, who have repeatedly violated contract terms and failed to fulfill their duty to protect their artists, has already collapsed. According to the exclusive contract, there is no longer a reason to work with ADOR and HYBE.
The contract clearly states that we can terminate it if ADOR fails to fulfill its obligations.
Forcing us to work for five more years despite this breach of trust and contract is not only unreasonable but inhumane.
We gave ADOR a 14-day grace period to rectify the contract violations, but ADOR failed to do so. Accordingly, we notified ADOR of the contract termination, which took immediate effect.
ADOR has filed a lawsuit seeking the court's confirmation of the legality of this termination, but this is merely a procedure to obtain the court's confirmation after the fact. We deeply regret that ADOR issued a statement misleading the public into believing the contract is still valid.
To be clear, as of November 29, 2024, we are no longer under ADOR. ADOR cannot interfere or intervene in our activities.
Despite publicly announcing attempts at dialogue and reconciliation, we were horrified and disgusted to encounter articles from media outlets spreading false information and slandering us. However, no matter how much they try to divide us, the five of us remain united, and no one can separate us.
After announcing the termination of our exclusive contract, we are diligently fulfilling the remaining schedules with ADOR as promised. However, we have witnessed managers and staff assisting with these schedules being harassed by having their laptops confiscated and being subjected to unannounced investigations by ADOR and HYBE, leaving them in tears. It is difficult for us to comprehend such unethical and inhumane actions by the company, and it is distressing to see that the harm caused by this company does not end with us.
While we anticipate a challenging path ahead, we dream of a life where we can engage in healthy music activities with our fans who love us. We are determined to make that dream a reality.
Despite multiple issues with HYBE being exposed after the CEO change, ADOR has not rectified them, nor have they protected us or demanded improvements from other labels that defamed us and spread false information. We are deeply disappointed that ADOR has instead filed a lawsuit. However, we hope that the trial process will reveal the reasons for our decision to terminate the exclusive contract and ADOR's contract violations.
We aspire to be courageous and healthy individuals. We sincerely thank everyone who has supported us and ask for continued interest and love for the five of us.
Thank you.
Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
