NewJeans discloses ADOR’s response to their legal notice.
On November 29th KST, NewJeans released the full text of ADOR’s official response to their legal notice. The disclosure followed a press conference held the previous evening, where the group announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR, effective at midnight on November 29th.
During the press conference, member Hanni stated, “The reason we are leaving ADOR is simple. As our agency, ADOR has a fundamental obligation to protect NewJeans, but they neither have the intention nor the capability to do so.” Member Minji added, “As such, we hereby declare that NewJeans’ exclusive contract with ADOR will be terminated at midnight on the 29th.”
This follows NewJeans’ initial legal notice sent on November 13th to ADOR and its CEO Kim Ju Young, titled “Request for Rectification of Exclusive Contract Violations.” The notice demanded action on several issues, including a statement in a HYBE document referring to NewJeans as “discard and start fresh,” and a manager from another HYBE label allegedly telling Hanni to “ignore her.” NewJeans warned that failure to resolve these violations within 14 days would result in the termination of their contract.
During the press conference, Minji revealed, “ADOR emailed us an hour before this press conference. Their response essentially stated that 14 days were insufficient, some actions were beyond their control, and they were saddened that discussions with the members did not happen sooner.” She criticized this as a delaying tactic and announced that the contract would be terminated. Member Hyein added, “We will disclose ADOR’s email response tomorrow morning.”
On the morning of November 29th, as promised, NewJeans published ADOR’s 26-page response, titled “Reply to the November 13th Notice of Exclusive Contract Violations.” The letter, sent by ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young, was addressed to NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.
Key points from ADOR’s response:
1. Validity of the Exclusive Contract
ADOR stated that NewJeans’ exclusive contract, signed on April 21, 2022, remains valid until July 31, 2029. ADOR acknowledged receiving NewJeans’ legal notice on November 14th and responded within the timeframe.
2. Defense of ADOR’s Actions
ADOR explained that unforeseen legal disputes between HYBE and former CEO Min Hee Jin, as well as leadership changes, did not hinder their ongoing support for NewJeans. They claimed to have diligently planned future activities and hoped for discussions with the members, which had not yet occurred.
3. Refutation of Contract Violations
ADOR argued that many of the alleged violations stemmed from third-party actions rather than ADOR itself. They noted the limitations of their authority, such as being unable to compel third parties to apologize or meet NewJeans’ demands.
4. HYBE Document Context
Regarding the controversial “discard New and start fresh” statement, ADOR clarified that it was a writer’s personal idea, referencing online feedback about LE SSERAFIM, and was unrelated to NewJeans. They emphasized that HYBE had no reason to discard its own artist, NewJeans.
5. Commitment to Resolution
ADOR concluded by stating, “We have organized our position and actions taken on the issues raised. We hope to resolve misunderstandings through dialogue and cooperation and move forward together.”
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