In recent weeks, the tensions between the popular K-Pop girl group NewJeans and their management ADOR have made headlines worldwide. After allegations of breach of contract, the members officially announced last night that they are ending their cooperation with ADOR.
So much has happened that it's hard to keep track. We'll bring you up to speed:
November 13, 2024
All five members of NewJeans - Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein - sent a certificate of breach of contract to ADOR. They demanded that serious contract violations be remedied within 14 days, otherwise they would terminate their contracts. Among other things, the demands included the return of Min Hee Jin as CEO of ADOR.
At the end of August 2024, it became known that Min Hee Jin had lost her post as CEO, although she continued to work as a producer for NewJeans. This happened against her will and triggered further tensions with the parent company HYBE. The reason for the dismissal was HYBE's claim that Min Hee Jin had conspired with colleagues to separate from HYBE.
November 28, 2024
Last night, the members announced at a press conference that they have officially ended their cooperation with ADOR. They stressed that they will continue all planned activities and be there for their fans.
Danielle explained that they are aware that they can no longer use their current name “NewJeans”, but plan to fight for it. Minji added that the five of them have decided to keep working together and enjoy the adventure.
ADOR expressed regret over the decision and continued to deny that any breach of contract had occurred.
What will happen with NewJeans now?
Thanks to their talent and hits like “OMG” and “Ditto”, the girl group's popularity will surely endure even without ADOR. It remains to be seen whether the members will sign with a new agency or act as independent artists.
Danielle and the others will certainly keep us updated and announce more plans for their future very soon.
2024 is ending turbulently, because yesterday two more girl groups announced their separation from their agencies!
fromis_9 is saying goodbye to PLEDIS Entertainment after more than 6 years together. The contracts of all members expire on December 31 and will not be renewed. On December 23, the group will release a farewell song for their fans. What happens after that is still unclear.
All five members of Loossemble have ended their exclusive contracts with CTDENM. Hyunjin, Yeojin, ViVi, Go Won and Hyeju originally debuted in 2016 as members of the girl group Loona. In February 2023, the entire group left their previous agency “Blockberry Creative” due to legal disputes. Hyunjin, Yeojin and the others joined the newly founded label CTDENM in the summer of 2023 and are debuting there as a quintet under the name “Loossemble”. The other Loona members debuted either solo or in a new unit called “ARTMS”.
Whether Loossemble will disband or reunite elsewhere has not yet been announced by the members.
Sources: Weverse, Naver, Ador, YTN, Pledis, CTDENM
