In a dramatic turn of events, NewJeans' members have opened up about their struggles with the agency, leading to potential contract terminations.
K-Pop Sensation NewJeans Breaks Ties with Agency Amid Allegations of Misconduct
K-Pop Sensation NewJeans Breaks Ties with Agency Amid Allegations of Misconduct
NewJeans, a prominent K-pop group, has parted ways with their agency Ador, citing mistreatment and manipulation claims.
In a shocking revelation, chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans has announced their departure from their agency, Ador, amid serious allegations of mistreatment and manipulation. The five-member girl band, which has garnered immense popularity since its debut in 2022, expressed their grievances during a late-night press conference that left fans reeling.
The decision follows claims made by group member Hanni, who stated that NewJeans had been isolated and disregarded by the company. This development adds to a protracted conflict involving Min Hee-Jin, the group's former producer, and Hybe's chairman Bang Si-hyuk, which has dominated headlines in South Korea.
"This is not the type of work ethic we respect and not one we want to be a part of," Hanni remarked, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with how NewJeans and their staff were treated. The singer detailed experiences of "deliberate miscommunications and manipulation" that contributed to their decision to leave.
NewJeans has made it clear that they desire to collaborate with Min, who left Ador amid rumors of separating the group from Hybe, which could result in NewJeans becoming independent from the company. Min has strongly denied the allegations against her, while also accusing Hybe of introducing another girl group, Illit, mimicking NewJeans’ signature sound and style.
On November 13, NewJeans filed a legal notice to Ador, demanding rectification of what they described as breaches of their exclusive contracts within a 14-day period. The band warned that without a resolution, they would terminate their contracts, which were originally set to last until 2029.
The financial implications of a contract termination are staggering; K-pop news site Koreaboo estimated a potential breach fee around 300 billion South Korean Won (approximately £170 million). However, singer Haerin refuted this notion, asserting, "We never broke any rules... they are the ones at fault."
Despite the turmoil, Ador has maintained that it has not violated contract terms and urged the group to continue working together on future projects. They expressed disappointment in the lack of communication efforts with the band in recent weeks, hoping to engage in fruitful discussions going forward.
The band’s conflicts have drawn significant media attention, further complicated by Hanni's testimony to South Korea's National Assembly concerning workplace harassment. During the session, Hanni claimed that Hybe’s management systematically undermined the girl group, leading her to believe that the agency “hated us.”
Since their formation in 2022, NewJeans has risen to prominence, achieving remarkable sales and accolades, including a nomination for best group at this year's MTV Awards. The members, ranging in age from 16 to 20, have captured hearts globally, appearing destined for success. However, the road ahead appears uncertain as they navigate these tumultuous changes in their professional landscape.
The decision follows claims made by group member Hanni, who stated that NewJeans had been isolated and disregarded by the company. This development adds to a protracted conflict involving Min Hee-Jin, the group's former producer, and Hybe's chairman Bang Si-hyuk, which has dominated headlines in South Korea.
"This is not the type of work ethic we respect and not one we want to be a part of," Hanni remarked, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with how NewJeans and their staff were treated. The singer detailed experiences of "deliberate miscommunications and manipulation" that contributed to their decision to leave.
NewJeans has made it clear that they desire to collaborate with Min, who left Ador amid rumors of separating the group from Hybe, which could result in NewJeans becoming independent from the company. Min has strongly denied the allegations against her, while also accusing Hybe of introducing another girl group, Illit, mimicking NewJeans’ signature sound and style.
On November 13, NewJeans filed a legal notice to Ador, demanding rectification of what they described as breaches of their exclusive contracts within a 14-day period. The band warned that without a resolution, they would terminate their contracts, which were originally set to last until 2029.
The financial implications of a contract termination are staggering; K-pop news site Koreaboo estimated a potential breach fee around 300 billion South Korean Won (approximately £170 million). However, singer Haerin refuted this notion, asserting, "We never broke any rules... they are the ones at fault."
Despite the turmoil, Ador has maintained that it has not violated contract terms and urged the group to continue working together on future projects. They expressed disappointment in the lack of communication efforts with the band in recent weeks, hoping to engage in fruitful discussions going forward.
The band’s conflicts have drawn significant media attention, further complicated by Hanni's testimony to South Korea's National Assembly concerning workplace harassment. During the session, Hanni claimed that Hybe’s management systematically undermined the girl group, leading her to believe that the agency “hated us.”
Since their formation in 2022, NewJeans has risen to prominence, achieving remarkable sales and accolades, including a nomination for best group at this year's MTV Awards. The members, ranging in age from 16 to 20, have captured hearts globally, appearing destined for success. However, the road ahead appears uncertain as they navigate these tumultuous changes in their professional landscape.
