Renowned South Korean composer and producer Yoon Il Sang has spoken up about the ongoing controversy involving the girl group NewJeans, emphasizing the seriousness of contractual obligations in the entertainment industry.
On May 2, a video titled “Speaking Up! Thoughts on the NewJeans Controversy and Insider Stories of the K-pop Industry” was uploaded to the YouTube channel ‘Producer Yoon Il Sang’. In the video, the production team asked Yoon about his perspective on the widely discussed NewJeans situation, noting his longstanding reputation for advocating artists’ rights.
Yoon responded with caution but conviction. “To put it briefly, contracts are not something to be taken lightly,” he said. “If you claim to care about an artist, you should never expose them to risk. That’s not true affection.”
He expressed heartfelt concern for the members of NewJeans. “It truly saddens me to see them in this situation. One day, they may look back and regret their current actions, but that realization only comes with time. That’s when adults should offer guidance. Yet I can’t help but wonder if the adults around them are managing things with their own interests in mind.”
Yoon reiterated the importance of honoring agreements. “Once you sign a contract, it should be fulfilled. After that, you can start claiming your rights. Also, criticizing the Korean music industry in interviews might have been something worth reconsidering.”
He went on to explain the human-centered nature of music production. “This business is about people, not products. When you produce an artist, you’re taking responsibility for their career. Of course, it’s still about profit, but when you’re inside the system, comparisons naturally arise. One company might do one thing better while another lacks in that area. That’s just the reality.”
Yoon highlighted the differences between major and small-scale companies. “Large companies are better equipped with marketing and PR, but they can’t devote all their attention to one artist. Smaller companies might lack resources, but if there’s mutual trust, they can grow with the artist. It’s about which environment suits the artist best. In the case of NewJeans, they made their choice when they signed the contract.”
He also expressed frustration over how the situation has been handled. “If I truly cared about an artist, I would never let them speak out publicly like this. I would step up and speak on their behalf. It’s heartbreaking to watch them carry the emotional and professional burden. That’s what companies are for.”
He added, “An artist should focus on choreography, concepts, performances. Producers should focus on the music. The company’s job is to manage everything behind the scenes. If the artists are doing interviews, defending themselves, and taking on legal battles, what is the role of the company then? Unfortunately, in this case, the company seems to have lost its purpose.”
The controversy between NewJeans and their agency ADOR continues. In March, the Seoul Central District Court accepted an injunction filed by ADOR, prohibiting the NewJeans members from pursuing entertainment activities without the agency’s prior approval. This followed their attempt to unilaterally terminate their contracts and begin independent promotions under the name ‘NJZ.’
The members filed an objection and announced a suspension of their activities, but the court rejected their appeal. However, they have since submitted an immediate appeal, and the legal dispute remains ongoing.
The next court hearing regarding the exclusive contract dispute between NewJeans and ADOR is scheduled for June 5. ADOR maintains that the group’s contract termination was invalid due to a lack of legal grounds, while the NewJeans side argues that their trust in the agency was broken following the dismissal of former CEO Min Hee Jin, making the termination justified.
SEE ALSO: