NewJeans, the hotshot girl group of the K-Pop scene, has parted ways with their agency Ador, sparking intense discussions within the industry. The group's discontent came to light during a Thursday midnight press conference, where Hanni shared their grievances regarding "mistreatment" and "manipulation" faced at the hands of the agency. Allegations of neglect towards the group and deliberate miscommunication have put Ador's ethical practices under scrutiny.
The split is tied to escalating tensions with Min Hee-Jin, NewJeans' former producer, who is rumored to have planned an independent venture with the group, separate from Hybe. Dating back months, Min has faced accusations related to her departure, which she denies, claiming Ador has attempted to replicate NewJeans' music and style with a newly launched girl group, Illit. Amid these rising tensions, NewJeans reportedly sent a legal notice to Ador demanding a resolution regarding breaches of their contracts, giving the agency 14 days to comply or face annulment.
Hanni stressed that the group's newfound freedom is crucial for their well-being, stating, "This isn't the work ethic we respect...to continue under a company lacking in protection would only harm us." With a lengthy commitment to a seven-year contract still looming, the group has made it clear that they would fulfill obligations, even as they warned fans about potential risks of not being able to use their name post-split. Following news of the discord, Ador remarked it had not breached contract terms and expressed a desire to continue collaboration.
The public outrage soared when Hanni boldly testified about harassment during a Labour Committee hearing about workplace conditions, bringing attention to the treatment K-pop idols face behind the scenes. NewJeans, having debuted just last year, rose to fame with catchy hits like "Super Shy" and "OMG," becoming one of the most successful acts globally. However, their latest developments raise questions about the industry’s treatment of artists and their autonomy.
As NewJeans continues to navigate the uncertain waters of their departure, fans around the globe are left to wonder what's next for the beloved group.
The split is tied to escalating tensions with Min Hee-Jin, NewJeans' former producer, who is rumored to have planned an independent venture with the group, separate from Hybe. Dating back months, Min has faced accusations related to her departure, which she denies, claiming Ador has attempted to replicate NewJeans' music and style with a newly launched girl group, Illit. Amid these rising tensions, NewJeans reportedly sent a legal notice to Ador demanding a resolution regarding breaches of their contracts, giving the agency 14 days to comply or face annulment.
Hanni stressed that the group's newfound freedom is crucial for their well-being, stating, "This isn't the work ethic we respect...to continue under a company lacking in protection would only harm us." With a lengthy commitment to a seven-year contract still looming, the group has made it clear that they would fulfill obligations, even as they warned fans about potential risks of not being able to use their name post-split. Following news of the discord, Ador remarked it had not breached contract terms and expressed a desire to continue collaboration.
The public outrage soared when Hanni boldly testified about harassment during a Labour Committee hearing about workplace conditions, bringing attention to the treatment K-pop idols face behind the scenes. NewJeans, having debuted just last year, rose to fame with catchy hits like "Super Shy" and "OMG," becoming one of the most successful acts globally. However, their latest developments raise questions about the industry’s treatment of artists and their autonomy.
As NewJeans continues to navigate the uncertain waters of their departure, fans around the globe are left to wonder what's next for the beloved group.
