Members of NewJeans have announced that they are parting ways with their label ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE.
In a late-night press conference on Thursday (November 28), the five-member K-pop group, formed in 2022, revealed that they are severing ties with ADOR following allegations that the label had breached their contract.
“Once we leave ADOR, we will seek to move forward freely with the activities we truly desire,” said member Danielle, according to Reuters. “We really want to be able to release new Bunnies music next year, as soon as possible,” she added, referring to the group's fan base. “We really hope we get a chance to meet you guys from all over the world.”
NewJeans also stated that after their contract expires, they may no longer be able to use their team name going forward.
In response, ADOR maintained that its agreement with NewJeans “remains in full force.” The company urged the group to continue working together on upcoming projects, as has been their practice to date. “We respectfully request that the group continue its cooperation with ADOR,” the statement said, according to Reuters.
NewJeans' announcement comes amid a months-long management dispute between HYBE and ADOR's former CEO Min Hee-jin, who also serves as the group's creative director. Earlier this year, HYBE accused Hee-jin of trying to make the company independent, a claim he denied. During Thursday's press conference, NewJeans expressed a desire to continue working with Hee-jin.
Earlier this month, NewJeans sent a legal notice to HYBE outlining a list of demands, including the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as ADOR's CEO. The team warned that if their demands are not met, they will terminate their contract, according to CNBC. NewJeans was previously committed to a seven-year contract with ADOR, which expires in 2029. Rolling Stone exhibitions.
In October, Hanni, a member of NewJeans, testified in tears before South Korea's parliament, alleging she had suffered workplace harassment at the company. On November 20, the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office announced that it had closed its investigation, concluding that Hani cannot be considered an employee under the law.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/newjeans-leaving-ador-hybe-amid-dispute-1235841233/
