NewJeans, the members of the group known in the K- pop world, held a press conference in Seoul on November 28, 2024 to announce the departure of their agency ADOR. However, ADOR, a subsidiary of major music label HYBE, expressed its opinion on the decision, saying that its contract with is still in place.
ADOR said in its statement, “We request that the group continue to cooperate with ADOR for future initiatives, as has been the case so far.”
Meanwhile, an internal dispute over NewJeans’ agency has caused a major storm in the K- pop industry. A conflict between HYBE and ADOR’s former CEO and creative director Min Hee-jin threatens the future of the group.
The controversy has sparked accusations, audit investigations and emotional press conferences, making the incident hotly debated across South Korea.
The five members of the group said during a press conference that they are looking forward to leaving ADOR and working with Min Hee-jin, who left ADOR earlier this month.
“After leaving ADOR, we decided to work independently on things that we really wanted to do,” said Danielle, a Newjeans member.
She added, “We will try to bring new music to our fans, the ‘Bunnys’, as soon as possible. We really want to meet fans all over the world.”
It is likely that New Jeans will not be allowed to use their group name when ADOR leaves.
The incident has been one of the biggest New Jeans developments for the K- pop industry. ‘ decision has raised curiosity among their fans, and all eyes are on what the group’s next step will be.
