Chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans has announced their departure from Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, citing “mistreatment” and “manipulation” as reasons for ending their contract.
The five-member girl band made the announcement during a late-night press conference, revealing details of alleged mismanagement and conflicts within their agency.
Group member Hanni accused Ador of sidelining NewJeans and claimed the company engaged in “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation.”
The members also cited mistreatment directed at both the group and their staff, as well as an alleged bullying incident involving a manager.
The group expressed a desire to collaborate again with Min Hee-jin, their former producer and the creative force behind their success, who left Ador in August amid rumors of her intent to sever ties with Hybe.
Min has denied accusations against her, including claims that she sought to make NewJeans independent of Hybe.
In a legal notice sent to Ador earlier this month, NewJeans demanded an apology for the bullying incident and the reinstatement of Min.
The band warned that unresolved breaches of their contracts could lead to termination.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the group affirmed their commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations while cautioning fans that they might lose rights to use the NewJeans name post-termination.
NewJeans, formed in 2022, quickly became one of Hybe’s most successful acts alongside BTS.
Known for hits like Super Shy and OMG, they were the eighth biggest-selling global act in 2023 and earned a nomination for Best Group at the MTV Awards.
The controversy surrounding NewJeans has drawn significant public attention in South Korea, including Hanni’s testimony at a parliamentary hearing on workplace harassment.
She accused Hybe of undermining the group, stating, “I was honestly convinced that the company hated us.”
With a contract initially set to run until 2029, the band’s decision to leave marks a major shift in their trajectory, leaving questions about their future in the K-pop industry.
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