On December 11, 2024, a topic titled “NewJeans Managers vs ADOR Email aware” was posted on the Korean forum “theqoo,” attracting huge attention.
The topic attached a video from media outlet Channel A, which obtained the full complaint made by NewJeans managers regarding the mistreatment they suffered under ADOR.
Below is a summary of the content of the email sent by this manager:
- After work summons and forced investigations
- He raised concerns about being called back to the office for an after-hours investigation.
- He explained that they hadn’t taken the PC home but had offered to return it the next day; however, they were forced to hand him over that day and were barred from leaving.
- He said he did not remain in the office voluntarily and viewed the forcible detention as coercion.
- He pointed out that the security team cited false information, such as CCTV footage of them entering with a suitcase, to put pressure on them.
- He criticized the use of emergency contact information to threaten to contact one’s parents as unprofessional and dehumanizing.
- Sending the PC and problems related to returning home
- He said that after enduring the investigation, it was natural for them to return home. However, the company misrepresented this act as “office escape.”
- He stressed that allegations of misconduct related to the investigation were unfounded.
- Communication relating to advertising contracts
- They explained that they conveyed exactly the intentions of the members to the brand regarding the fulfillment of the advertising contracts signed before the termination of the contract.
- Accusations of having proposed direct contracts between the brand and the artists, excluding the company, rejected.
- He said the company mischaracterized their actions to describe them as misconduct.
- Emphasize managerial responsibilities
- Clarified that their primary responsibility as managers was to faithfully convey communications between members and other parties.
- He argued that this duty remained unchanged even in case of conflicts between the company and the shareholders.
- Refute accusations of lying
- Rejected the company’s claims that they were lying, pointing to the lack of evidence to support those allegations.
- Underlined that it had transparently disclosed all relevant communication points at the request of members.
- Managing Japanese schedules amidst the confusion
- Described as prioritizing smooth program execution for members and staff in a chaotic situation in Japan.
- Criticized management for neglecting ground staff and failing to provide guidance on scheduling.
- It is confirmed that they advised external suppliers to make direct payments to the company, contrary to allegations of misconduct.
- Opposition to the suspension and desire to resign
- He expressed disagreement with the suspension imposed for alleged misconduct and subsequently submitted his resignation.
- Criticism of corporate leadership
- Accused management of ordering them to selectively convey company-aligned messages to members and legal representatives.
- Leadership condemned for neglecting staff and member anxiety during uncertain times.
- Backup and sending of materials
- He claimed to have backed up and sent all company materials, with no damage to the original data.
- They explained that their PC has been formatted to protect personal information and reiterated their willingness to clarify any doubts.
- Rejecting the request to send via mobile phone
- He strongly opposed the request to inspect their personal phone, saying it was an illegal invasion without legal authority.
- Condemnation of false public statements and calls for threats to stop
- He expressed shock at the company releasing false information to the media.
- He called for an end to emails that distort facts and use coercive language.
On the other hand, the aforementioned NewJeans manager had already accused CEO Ju Young Kim of workplace bullying and had filed a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Meanwhile, ADOR has refuted the executives’ claims and announced their intention to take the necessary legal action.
After reading the entire email, netizens were shocked, even calling each other to sign a petition against HYBE. Some comments under the “theqoo” topic include: “HYBE must be destroyed”, “This company is fucking crazy”, AND “I hope this garbage company goes out of business soon.”
Source: theqoo
