28-11-2024 (SEOUL) Global K-pop phenomenon NewJeans has announced their departure from ADOR (HYBE Labels) in an unprecedented emergency press conference held today, marking a significant shift in the K-pop industry landscape.
The five-member group, which has dominated charts since their 2022 debut, confirmed they will not renew their exclusive contract with ADOR when it expires tomorrow at midnight KST. The announcement follows a fortnight of speculation after the group issued a legal notice to their management company on 13 November.
Speaking at the press conference, group leader Minji expressed the members’ collective disappointment with both ADOR and parent company HYBE’s response to their concerns. “Despite our attempts to address serious contractual matters, we have encountered an unwillingness to implement necessary reforms or properly consider our positions,” she stated through an official translator.
The departure of NewJeans, comprising members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, represents a significant blow to ADOR. Since their debut with “Attention” in July 2022, the group has achieved remarkable success, including setting records with their single “Ditto”, which maintained the longest-running number-one position on the prestigious Circle Digital Chart.
Most recently, the group had demonstrated their continued commercial appeal with their May 2024 double single release featuring “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum”, making their decision to leave at the height of their success particularly noteworthy.
Industry analysts suggest this development could have far-reaching implications for the K-pop industry’s established business model, particularly regarding artist management and contract negotiations. The group’s decision to terminate their contract after citing an “inability to protect the members” raises questions about management practices within major entertainment companies.
