K-pop Sensation NewJeans in Legal Dispute with Ador over Alleged "Mistreatment"
- Chethma De Mel
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
Chart-topping K-pop girl group NewJeans announced on Thursday that they are leaving their agency, Ador, due to allegations of "mistreatment" and "manipulation." The five-member girl group announced the news during a late-night press conference, a shocking move that creates a deep rift with the Hybe subsidiary.
Ador, however, says its contract with NewJeans is still valid as the agency has not violated terms of their agreement. It emphasized that what the group was claiming does not provide grounds for the termination of the contract.
Allegations of Harassment and Manipulation
During the news conference, group member Hanni alleged workplace harassment and that the agency failed to protect them. She accused Ador of creating a toxic work environment, not just for the group but also for their staff. She further described "deliberate miscommunication and manipulation" that led to their decision to leave.
Ador replied with a letter of regret regarding the press conference and the lack of prior discussions. The agency requested that the group continue their activities, emphasizing that trust issues alone are not enough to terminate the contract.
A Conflict Tied to Leadership Disputes
This dispute is connected to a more significant controversy involving NewJeans' ex-producer, Min Hee-Jin and Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk. Min left Ador in August amid reports that she had plans for NewJeans to go independent. Min has denied those claims and the group, in stating their desire to be reunited with her, referred to Min as essential to the group's success.
Min has earlier accused Hybe of copying NewJeans' style with its girl group Illit, which added to the tensions between the two camps.
Legal Action and Financial Consequences
NewJeans, on November 13th, served a legal notice to Ador demanding resolution to their alleged contract breaches within 14 days or face termination of agreements by the group. They also sought an apology for workplace bullying and reinstatement of Min.
While the group remained obligated to continue performing contractual obligations, they warned fans they may be stripped of rights to the band's name upon termination of those contracts. Their current seven-year contract is due to expire in 2029, and any disputes over its termination are likely to be decided in court. Industry estimates put the termination fee at around 300 billion South Korean Won (£170 million), but group member Haerin denied the reports, saying they had fulfilled their contractual duties.
Public Fallout and Financial Repercussions
It follows significant publicity about the controversy, after member Hanni testified in front of South Korea's National Assembly Labour Committee in October about the alleged workplace harassment, saying the senior management had intentionally put in place a 'workplace atmosphere of hatred' and ignored the group.
Fallout has spilled over to the finances of Hybe as its shares also plunged by 4 percent on this news.
Glittering Career Marred by Controversy
Since its debut in 2022, NewJeans has become one of Hybe's most successful acts next to BTS. With hits such as Super Shy and OMG, they were the eighth best-selling act globally in 2023 and received a nomination for Best Group at this year's MTV Awards.
The group's continued conflict with Ador now has their future in question as neither side budges from their stance. Fans and onlookers alike are closely monitoring the developments in what has become a defining conflict of the K-pop industry.
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