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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-11-29 04:24:21
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- NewJeans' announcement of their contract termination with ADOR marks a critical point in the months-long dispute that began in April with an internal audit of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin by parent company HYBE.
NewJeans declared, "ADOR lacks both the will and the capability to protect NewJeans. We want to break free and pursue the activities we truly desire," at a press conference held on Thursday,
◇ Conflict Rooted in Management Dispute
The discord traces back to an internal audit initiated by HYBE in April, alleging that Min Hee-jin was attempting to seize control of ADOR and separate it from HYBE. The investigation escalated as HYBE filed criminal charges against Min for alleged embezzlement and breach of trust.
Min countered these allegations in a lengthy press conference, accusing HYBE of betrayal and denying any plans to usurp ADOR's management. Legal battles ensued, including Min filing an injunction in May to block HYBE's move to convene an extraordinary shareholders' meeting aimed at her removal.
In response, HYBE replaced ADOR’s board members with its own personnel and, in August, officially dismissed Min as CEO, appointing HYBE CHRO Kim Joo-young as her successor.
Throughout this period, NewJeans members expressed their support for Min, submitting petitions to the court advocating her reinstatement. However, the group refrained from directly confronting ADOR until later developments.
◇ Tensions Escalate: Live Broadcast and Legal Demands
The first public signs of discontent from NewJeans emerged during a YouTube live broadcast in September. Members called for Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement and criticized HYBE’s interference. Member Hanni also revealed she had been subjected to dismissive comments by a manager from another HYBE label, Belift Lab, stating she was told to "ignore it."
Hanni later testified about her experiences, including allegations of ostracization, during a National Assembly labor committee hearing in October.
Simultaneously, Min filed a legal petition seeking reinstatement as ADOR’s CEO, but the court dismissed her request. While ADOR attempted to reconcile by extending her board membership and offering to reinstate her role in producing for NewJeans, they refused to reinstate her as CEO.
These developments prompted NewJeans to escalate their stance. On November 13, the group issued a formal letter to ADOR alleging contract breaches and demanding corrective measures, including an apology for the "ignore it" comment.
With Min’s resignation as a board member and departure from ADOR, speculation grew that NewJeans might seek contract termination. Despite ADOR’s conciliatory stance on some issues, the group found the response inadequate.
◇ The Final Straw: Contract Termination
On Thursday, NewJeans announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR, citing unmet demands. At the press conference, the group stated, "We raised issues formally, but ADOR failed to take action. Continuing under these conditions is not an option."
Despite ADOR’s attempts to address certain grievances, such as publicly supporting Hanni’s allegations, it was too little, too late. The group's move to sever ties reflects their deep dissatisfaction and determination to take control of their careers.
As the situation unfolds, the NewJeans-ADOR conflict highlights the growing tensions between artists and their management in K-pop's high-stakes industry. Fans and industry observers now await the next chapter in this dramatic saga.
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