NewJeans Perform with YOASOBI Amidst Contract Dispute with ADOR

The five members of NewJeans—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—recently performed as guest artists at YOASOBI's concert in Incheon, Korea, amidst their ongoing contract dispute with ADOR. The group appeared cheerful as they took the stage.

On November 7th, NewJeans joined YOASOBI at the Inspire Arena in Incheon for the duo's second concert in Korea. They performed their songs "How Sweet" and "Right Now," as well as YOASOBI's hit "Biri-Biri."

The members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform with YOASOBI, following their previous collaboration at NewJeans' fan meeting in Tokyo Dome. Hyein stated, "It's an honor to be a guest at YOASOBI's concert," while YOASOBI's Ikura responded, "It's a joy to continue our collaboration from NewJeans' Tokyo Dome fan meeting to our concert today."

Previously, YOASOBI had performed a snippet of "Ditto," and Minji shared her fondness for YOASOBI's songs like "Yoru ni Kakeru," "Monster," and "Tracing That Dream." She also recommended Korean dishes such as sundae soup and kimchi stew.

YOASOBI shared their appreciation for NewJeans on social media, posting a photo with the caption, "Thank you for an amazing start to our YOASOBI Asia Tour in Korea! Huge thanks to NewJeans for joining us as guests!"

Meanwhile, the members communicated with fans using only their individual names, omitting the group name NewJeans, which is linked to their contract termination notice to ADOR.

On November 6th, the members reiterated their stance, stating, "ADOR has failed to properly assert that there was no breach of contract, merely repeating claims that the contract cannot be terminated until investments are recouped. We have already returned profits exceeding the investments to ADOR and HYBE."

They further stated, "The trust in ADOR and HYBE has been broken due to repeated contract violations and failure to protect us as artists. According to the contract, we have the right to terminate if ADOR fails to fulfill its obligations. Forcing us to work for five more years despite this breach is unreasonable and inhumane."

The members emphasized, "We are no longer part of ADOR as of November 29, 2024, and ADOR cannot interfere with our activities."

Previously, on October 28th, the members held an emergency press conference to announce their contract termination with ADOR, citing management changes and other issues. They also addressed the astronomical penalty fees, asserting that the responsibility lies with ADOR and HYBE due to their breach of contract. The members expressed their desire to continue using the name NewJeans and to work with CEO Min Hee-jin if possible.

In response, ADOR stated, "On November 3rd, we filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract with NewJeans."

Additionally, Min Hee-jin faces tampering allegations. A media outlet reported that Min Hee-jin allegedly orchestrated NewJeans' live broadcasts and Hanni's appearance at a national audit to facilitate her return as ADOR's CEO. The report also included evidence of her meetings with Company D to discuss investment opportunities.

Min Hee-jin has not provided a detailed explanation regarding these allegations, only confirming the lawsuit. As tampering has been a central issue in the ongoing conflict between HYBE and Min Hee-jin since April, a proper explanation and rebuttal are deemed necessary.