The dispute between NewJeans and their label ADOR is reaching new heights.
The members of NewJeans claim that their exclusive contract with ADOR ended in November 2023 and have since been promoting independently under the name NJZ. However, ADOR insists that the contract is still valid and has filed a lawsuit to confirm its legitimacy.
Amid the ongoing legal battle, the NJZ PR account released a statement on February 19, alleging that HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk personally called U.S. officials to pressure them into canceling the group’s performance.
According to the statement, “A ComplexCon official informed us that Chairman Bang directly called U.S. contacts to urge the cancellation of our performance.” The members further criticized HYBE, saying, “This proves they see us as nothing more than a money-making tool. If you have something to say, call us directly.”
Despite the controversy, NewJeans is set to perform at the Complex Live festival in Hong Kong from March 21-23, where they will also unveil a new song.
K-Pop Industry Organizations Speak Out
In response to the ongoing dispute, five major K-pop industry groups—including the Korea Management Federation, Korea Entertainment Producers Association, and Korea Music Content Association—issued a joint statement on February 19. The statement expressed concerns that NewJeans’ independent activities could negatively impact the K-pop industry and called for stronger regulations against tampering (inducing artists to breach contracts).
The organizations also criticized the members for “manipulating public opinion for their own benefit” and referenced Hanni’s appearance at last year’s National Assembly hearing and an emergency press conference as examples of media-driven tactics.
NewJeans quickly fired back, arguing that HYBE was the one who first weaponized public opinion by spreading false accusations against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The group questioned the industry’s stance, stating, “Where were these associations when HYBE launched its smear campaign?”
They further condemned the statement, saying, “It sounds as if K-pop can only survive if artists are bound by slave contracts.”
Heated Debate Over Press Conference Venue
Adding to the tension, the industry groups plan to hold a press conference at a luxury hotel in Seoul on February 27. NewJeans called out the decision, noting that the meal cost at the venue exceeds 100,000 KRW per person, raising concerns over potential violations of Korea’s anti-bribery laws (Kim Young-ran Act). They questioned whether journalists would even be able to attend under such circumstances.
ADOR Responds to Allegations
On the same day, ADOR released a statement denying the allegations against Bang Si-hyuk, asserting that “Chairman Bang never made any calls regarding NewJeans’ Hong Kong performance.”
With tensions mounting, the first court hearing for ADOR’s lawsuit to confirm the validity of NewJeans’ contract is set to take place on April 3 at the Seoul Central District Court. The legal battle shows no signs of slowing down, and all eyes are on what’s next for both NewJeans and ADOR.