In an urgent press conference held at 8:30 pm (KST) on November 28, 2024, NewJeans shared the decision to sever ties with ADOR, citing the agency’s failure to address their complaints within the stipulated timeline.
Hanni clarified“The YouTube live session in September and the correction requests we sent out two weeks ago were decided and executed by all five members. The reason for this urgent press conference is that the correction request deadline expires tonight at midnight, yet HYBE and ADOR have shown no intention to improve or address our concerns, even though business hours are over.”
He continued: “We have an overseas program in Japan tomorrow morning and will be back next week. We were concerned about potential media manipulation by HYBE and ADOR and wanted to present our position clearly, so we discussed extensively among ourselves and decided to hold this press conference.”
The female idol then explained the group’s departure, stating: “The reason we are leaving ADOR is simple. ADOR, as our agency, is obligated to protect NewJeans, but has neither the will nor the ability to do so. Staying with ADOR would only waste time and prolong our mental suffering. Additionally, there is no professional benefit to staying with ADOR.”
Meanwhile, Minji added, “Therefore, our exclusive contract with ADOR will be terminated at midnight tonight. However, HYBE and ADOR are attempting to deflect responsibility by claiming that any blame lies with HYBE, not ADOR. But as everyone knows, HYBE and ADOR are essentially one entity. ADOR has changed significantly; key directors were suddenly fired, and directors and producers who worked closely with us were also removed, replaced to suit HYBE’s preferences. Maintaining a contract in these circumstances is unacceptable.”
Minji further elaborated, “Although we have submitted requests for correction, the deadline expires at midnight and all we have received is a reluctant statement and performative emails. None of our concerns were addressed. Despite repeated requests via live sessions and the correction notice, it has become clear that they have no intention of resolving the issues and their insincere attitude has worn us down.”
Despite the termination of the contract, NewJeans assured fans that they would honor existing programs and advertising commitments.
Meanwhile, NewJeans also insisted that it will not pay the termination fee, which is estimated to be $400 million.
They also added that they have “nothing to say” to Bang Si-hyuk and would like to continue working with Min Hee-jin.
Previously, on November 13, the members, using their legal names, sent a formal letter to the ADOR, criticizing the ADOR for failing to protect them and calling for resolution of several issues.
Although ADOR acknowledged receiving the notification on November 14 and stated its intent to resolve the matter wisely, the lack of substantive action prompted NewJeans to hold the press conference, signaling ADOR’s effective refusal to comply.
Min Hee-jin’s departure from ADOR on November 20 further dashed hopes of her reinstatement, a central demand in NewJeans’ correction notice. The entertainment industry has been closely monitoring the group’s next steps ever since.
Previously, at the Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) on November 16, NewJeans attracted attention with their remarks, one of which stated: “NewJeans never die.”
Source: Nate
