NewJeans Exits HYBE’s ADOR: Here’s What Fans Need to Know

On November 28, 2024, K-pop sensation NewJeans held an emergency press conference to announce their decision to terminate their contracts with HYBE subsidiary ADOR. The shocking announcement has sent ripples through the music industry as the group revealed troubling insights about their treatment under the label and their plans for the future.

Here are three major takeaways from the press conference:

1. Contract Termination Due to Lack of Protection and Trust

NewJeans, composed of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, formally announced their separation from ADOR, citing a complete breakdown of trust and mistreatment by the company. Minji detailed the group’s attempts to address concerns, stating:

“They sent their response an hour before, and we confirmed it. The contents of the email were serious. The email stated that 14 days was not enough time, that they regret there was no communication with ADOR, and that there were matters they couldn’t address because they weren’t ADOR’s doing. However, they took no substantial action… The email was full of lies and excuses, and was merely a stalling tactic. Therefore, we are terminating our exclusive contract as of midnight on the 29th.”

The group emphasized their frustration with ADOR’s lack of action to address long-standing grievances, which were first raised in September. Danielle added, “ADOR neither has the will nor the ability to protect NewJeans.”

2. Commitment to Reclaim Their Name

Despite their departure, NewJeans made it clear that their identity as a group would remain intact. The members vowed to fight for the rights to their name, a move that has drawn widespread support from their fanbase, Bunnies. Danielle passionately stated:

“And we will not give up the ‘NewJeans’ name. We will work hard to reclaim our name. Regardless of our name, NewJeans never dies.”

This commitment underscores the group’s determination to maintain their creative and professional identity, even as they part ways with the label that launched them.

3. Allegations of Mistreatment and Ethical Concerns

Hanni revealed troubling details about the group’s experience at ADOR, pointing to a toxic work environment that extended beyond the members to their staff. She accused the company of deliberate miscommunications, manipulation, and prioritizing profit over artistry and ethics.

“A company that no longer has any sincerity in the art and music that it’s creating and is rather fixated on appearing like a well-working company… This is not the type of work ethic we respect, nor want to be a part of.”

The group cited these issues as a significant reason for their decision, framing it as a stand against unethical practices in the entertainment industry.

What’s Next for NewJeans?

While the future of NewJeans remains uncertain, their unity and resolve were evident throughout the press conference. The group’s decision to go public with their grievances marks a rare and bold move in the tightly controlled K-pop industry, where artists often remain silent about contractual disputes.

Fans worldwide have expressed an outpouring of support for the group, with hashtags like #WeStandWithNewJeans trending globally. As the group begins their legal battle to reclaim their name and navigate their next steps, one thing is clear: NewJeans’ story is far from over.

Their final message to fans was one of hope and resilience. “NewJeans never dies,” Danielle declared, encapsulating the spirit of a group determined to chart their own path forward.