ADOR, NewJeans Clash Over Contract Dispute; Agency Claims Validity Until 2029

▲ This file photo, released by ADOR, shows its K-pop girl group NewJeans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- ADOR, currently facing a contractual dispute with girl group NewJeans, stated Friday that their exclusive contract remains valid until July 31, 2029.

The agency announced plans for NewJeans' activities next year, including a domestic fan meeting in March, a full-length album release between June and July, and a world tour starting in August. They also revealed ongoing efforts to recruit a new producer.

NewJeans shared ADOR's official reply to a legal notice with reporters earlier in the day. According to the reply, ADOR emphasized that the exclusive contract, signed on April 21, 2022, is valid for seven years from the group's debut date, ending in July 2029.

This comes a day after NewJeans held an emergency press conference, where they announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR, effective midnight Nov. 29, citing the agency's alleged failure to meet contractual obligations.

▲ (From L to R) Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hanni and Hyein -- the five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans, speak during a press conference in Gangnam, southern Seoul, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

ADOR countered, stating, "Many of the issues raised by the artists (NewJeans) regarding breaches of contract pertain to the actions of third parties, not ADOR. The agency has fully adhered to its contractual duties, including arranging and negotiating performances, providing support for artistic activities, handling financial compensation, and ensuring settlement documentation."

The agency further expressed disappointment over the lack of direct communication, saying, "While the artists and their families have frequently shared their views about ADOR publicly via live broadcasts and interviews, it seems there has been no effort to resolve misunderstandings or issues through discussions with us. We earnestly hope for a meeting with the artists to finalize next year's activity plans and address any concerns."

ADOR stated it has requested A&R (Artist & Repertoire) and concept planning support for NewJeans' full-length album from its music production collaborators and is actively engaging with new producers to ensure the group can maintain their distinct identity and pursue their desired musical direction.

▲ This image, provided by ADOR, shows the K-pop agency's new CEO Kim Ju-young. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The agency addressed several issues highlighted by NewJeans members, including a controversial statement found in HYBE's internal "Music Industry Report." The phrase, "We endured the 'NewAr' wording for several days, but it will be fine if we start afresh without New [NewJeans]," sparked concerns about the company's commitment to the group.

ADOR clarified, "This statement does not indicate HYBE abandoning the artists. The report, written in May 2023 before the airing of 'R U Next,' a public audition program to determine ILLIT debut members, could not have been referring to 'NewAr' as 'ILLIT' in any objective context." ADOR stated HYBE confirmed that the report neither implied plans to sideline NewJeans nor contained any directives involving specific actions.

The agency further explained that "starting afresh without New" referred to an idea that groups like LE SSERAFIM should carve out their distinct space instead of being categorized and compared to the already successful NewJeans. "This was the writer's suggestion to break free from repetitive comparisons and establish unique identities," ADOR noted.

ADOR reaffirmed its commitment to NewJeans and assured fans of positive progress in their discussions regarding the group’s artistic vision and future endeavors.

▲ NewJeans' Hanni testifies at the National Assembly on Workplace Bullying Allegations on Oct. 15, 2024, in Seoul. (Yonhap)

ADOR also mentioned the incident in which NewJeans' Hanni was told to "ignore it" by a manager from another HYBE subsidiary, with no subsequent action taken by the company.

In its written response, ADOR explained, "The security team reviewed all preserved CCTV footage from the 30 days prior to the request, as well as entry and exit records for artists and staff from both sides." The agency added, "The staff member who reviewed the CCTV found no notable incidents other than a brief greeting, and that particular footage was the only scene preserved."

Regarding NewJeans' demand for the reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee-jin, ADOR stated, "The decision to maintain a specific individual as CEO falls under the ADOR board's managerial discretion. The exclusive contract between the artist and ADOR does not stipulate that the CEO must remain a particular individual throughout the contract period, nor was this a condition at the time the contract was signed."

As the two sides remain at odds over the validity of the exclusive contract, industry observers predict prolonged tensions between ADOR and NewJeans.

▲ (From L to R) Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hanni and Hyein -- the five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans, speak during a press conference in Gangnam, southern Seoul, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

During a press conference the previous day, NewJeans criticized the agency's response, stating, "Neither HYBE nor the current ADOR has shown any willingness to improve or meet our demands," adding, "ADOR lacks both the ability and the intent to protect NewJeans."

At the end of its response, ADOR called for constructive dialogue, saying, "We sincerely urge the members to meet in person to fully discuss and resolve misunderstandings or differing perspectives."

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