Popular K-pop group NewJeans has decided to leave their agency, Ador, accusing the company of “mistreatment” and “manipulation.”
During a late-night press conference, the five-member group shared their reasons for the split, highlighting issues like poor treatment, communication problems, and a lack of support from the agency.
BBC reports that Hanni, one of the members, claimed the group had been ignored and mistreated, which affected not only them but also their staff.
Ador is a part of Hybe, the powerhouse behind other big names like BTS. The group has been caught in a long-standing conflict involving Ador’s former producer, Min Hee-Jin, and Hybe’s chairman, Bang Si-hyuk.
NewJeans expressed a desire to work with Min, who left Ador earlier this year amid accusations of planning to take the group away from Hybe. Min has denied these claims, and tensions have grown between the two sides, according to BBC.
In November, NewJeans sent a legal notice to Ador, demanding the company fix contract violations. They asked for an apology over alleged bullying by a manager and requested that Min be reinstated.
BBC explains that the group warned they might lose the rights to their band name if their contract ends, adding to the uncertainty surrounding their future.
The group’s current seven-year contract was set to end in 2029, but leaving early could reportedly cost them a massive fee of about £170m. Haerin, another member, argued that this was unfair, telling BBC that they did nothing wrong and only tried their best.
Ador denied breaking the contract and urged the group to continue working together, but the relationship has been strained for over a year.
Hanni even testified in South Korea’s parliament about workplace harassment, saying she felt deliberately undermined by Hybe. BBC highlights her emotional claim that she felt hated by the company.
NewJeans debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of the biggest acts in the K-pop world, with hits like Super Shy and OMG.
Despite their challenges, they remain a global sensation, but their next steps are uncertain.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy94jrrzm2o