NewJeans Reiterates Departure from ADOR Amid Exclusive Contract Dispute

NewJeans Reiterates Departure from ADOR Amid Exclusive Contract Dispute: K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2024-12-06 16:45:41

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

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- NewJeans has reaffirmed their stance on the exclusive contract dispute with ADOR, declaring, “As of November 29, 2024, we are no longer affiliated with ADOR.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the group stated, “ADOR has no right to interfere with or influence our activities,” emphasizing that their trust in ADOR and parent company HYBE had completely broken down.

The members explained, “We have already returned profits exceeding the initial investment to ADOR and HYBE. Despite this, HYBE has attempted to tarnish our value through defamation and reverse virality campaigns, with ADOR’s management enabling such actions after leadership changes.”

NewJeans accused ADOR of failing to fulfill its obligations to protect the artists and violating multiple contract terms. They emphasized, “According to the contract, we are entitled to terminate it if ADOR fails to fulfill its duties, and there is no reason for us to continue working with ADOR and HYBE.”

▲ (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)

Regarding the lawsuit filed by ADOR on December 3 to confirm the validity of the contract, NewJeans described it as “a procedural step to secure court approval after the fact,” adding, “We deeply regret ADOR’s misleading statements to the public, implying the contract is still valid.”

The group also claimed that after announcing the contract termination, their manager and performance director had their laptops confiscated and were subjected to sudden investigations by ADOR and HYBE. Despite these challenges, the members expressed their unity and determination.

NewJeans concluded, “While we foresee a challenging road ahead, we aspire to continue healthy musical activities and live a life alongside the fans who love us. We are committed to achieving this dream.”