K-pop group NewJeans has faced a legal setback in their attempt to terminate their contract with the label Ador. On Tuesday, a South Korean court ruled that the group’s agreement with Ador, which is set to remain in effect until 2029, remains valid. The five members—Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji—previously announced in November that they were unilaterally leaving the agency, citing allegations of mistreatment and manipulation.
The group has indicated plans to appeal the court’s decision, which contradicts their belief that the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin breached their contract. NewJeans claimed that this dismissal undermined their trust in the agency. In response to the ruling, Ador expressed a hope that the judgment would lead the artists to reflect on the situation. The label also stated they are prepared for the group’s upcoming activities, including an album release.
Formed in July 2022, NewJeans quickly gained popularity, with their debut single “Attention” topping Korean charts and their track “SuperShy” receiving acclaim at the end of 2023. The court ruling follows a year-long standoff characterized by tensions between the group and their agency, particularly around the time of Min Hee-jin’s dismissal. The conflict intensified in April 2024 when Hybe, Ador’s parent company, initiated audits into Ador, leading to Min’s eventual departure.
Despite attempts to rebrand as NJZ and release new music, promotions were halted by a court order. The group has described the court’s decision as unexpected, yet they affirmed their commitment to support one another through this challenging period. The situation reflects broader issues within the K-pop industry, where artist autonomy often clashes with the strong control exerted by record labels.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5q0leq2lpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss