‘[It] It could set a very dangerous precedent.”

The Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association (KEPA) expressed its position on the issue between ADOR and NewJeans on contract termination.

KEPA, launched in 1992 and host of the “Dream Concert”, is responsible for “creating infrastructure for the pop music industry and improving the rights and interests of producers”.

With this mission, they highlighted the value of having an exclusive contract and how its termination can only be effected through legal proceedings.

“An exclusive contract (…) is the fruit of mutual trust and commitment. The contract can only be terminated if the party claiming it can provide legitimate reasons.”

On December 6, KEPA then criticized NewJeans’ “one-sided” claim against ADOR and rebuked their “irresponsible” move to hold a press conference.

“It is a very irresponsible action as part of a binding contract and ignores both legal standards and industry practices. Therefore, they rightly deserve strong criticism.”

In the lengthy position, KEPA then raised the concern of “tampering,” in which Dispatch recently accused the team of colluding with a third party (Min Hee Jin) before announcing the termination of the contract in a press conference.

READ ALSO: ADOR announces a lawsuit to verify the validity of NewJeans’ exclusivity contract with the agency

With these controversies created by the team, the association expressed its concerns about setting a “very dangerous precedent that threatens the sustainability of Korean pop culture and the arts industry.”

“NewJeans’ desire to take risks on less than half of the contract, related allegations of tampering, and the breakdown of the agency-artist relationship are significantly reducing the credibility and investment of the industry, as a whole.”

As KEPA concluded its letter, it appealed to NewJeans to retract its decisions and continue its program under ADOR as it should be.

The association also warned the group:

“If you were planning to pursue programs at home and abroad independently, we strongly urge you to stop immediately and find enlightenment by speaking with your label. We also want a thorough fact-check regarding alleged illegal activities such as tampering.”

RELATED ARTICLE: ADOR Insists NewJeans Still Artist Under Label — Here’s Why Girl Group Can’t Terminate Contract