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| ▲ Members of K-pop girl group NewJeans are seen in this undated file photo provided by ADOR. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- NewJeans has reportedly issued an ultimatum to HYBE and Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, demanding the reinstatement of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin by the 25th of this month.
This has led to speculation within the music industry that the group may be considering the termination of their exclusive contracts.
Given that HYBE is unlikely to meet their demand due to internal conflicts, there is a possibility that the members could file for an injunction to suspend the effects of their contracts after the 25th. If that happens, the situation, dubbed the "ADOR Crisis," could escalate into a full-blown "NewJeans Contract Dispute."
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| ▲ This captured image shows NewJeans members in their YouTube livestream on Sept. 11, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
On the 12th, NewJeans members unexpectedly addressed the issue during a YouTube live stream, stating, "What we want is the original ADOR, where Min Hee-jin is the CEO managing both business and production." They demanded that ADOR be restored to its original structure by the 25th. While they did not specify their next course of action if their demand is not met, member Minji hinted at potential conflict, saying, "This is how we can avoid fighting with HYBE."
Hye-rin also expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "I don’t want to conform or follow the people who are in charge of this direction," implying a possible refusal to continue with ADOR under its current management. The five members have shown a deep bond with Min Hee-jin, often referring to her as a maternal figure, and have voiced their unwavering support, including submitting a petition for her reinstatement earlier this year.
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| ▲ This file image shows former CEO of K-pop agency ADOR and its girl group NewJeans. (Yonhap) |
Considering the complex nature of entertainment contract disputes, some industry experts speculate that NewJeans could take legal action if their demands are not met by the deadline. In such cases, artists typically file for an injunction to suspend their contracts if grievances remain unresolved within a specified time frame. Given their close relationship with Min Hee-jin, the group might refuse to continue without her leadership.
NewJeans has also planned a world tour next year, and if this contract dispute materializes, it could significantly affect these plans. The group's future could depend on the legal proceedings and whether the court sides with them in the potential dispute.
While some similar cases in the K-pop industry have had mixed outcomes, with members of LOONA successfully filing for injunctions while Fifty Fifty's case was dismissed, the legal battle NewJeans could face remains uncertain.
During the YouTube live session, NewJeans also shared their frustrations about previous incidents, with Hye-rin stating that "many unreasonable and incomprehensible things have happened since our debut," and Hanni recalling an instance where a HYBE manager instructed another idol group member to "ignore" her.
If NewJeans decides to break away from their contract, they would likely face a substantial penalty. Although details of their contract have not been publicly disclosed, termination fees could amount to billions of won. Estimates suggest that NewJeans may have to pay over 3 billion won (approx. USD 2.3 million) in penalties, with some speculating that the termination cost could exceed 6 billion won, according to a leaked conversation from HYBE’s internal audit.
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| ▲ ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin attends a press conference in Seoul on May 31, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Some observers believe that NewJeans might opt for a public relations campaign to highlight the injustices they’ve experienced rather than pursuing legal action.
Music critic Kim Do-hun commented, "From what I saw on the YouTube live stream, NewJeans seems unwilling to accept the current system under HYBE and ADOR. While it's hard to predict the exact outcome, it's clear that the longstanding conflict between the two sides has reached a new turning point."
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| ▲ This image, provided by ADOR, shows K-pop girl group NewJeans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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