The popular K-pop girl group NewJeans announced in a recent press conference that they have decided to part ways with their agency ADOR, which is a sub-label under HYBE. Tensions around NewJeans’ association with ADOR started building following the fallout between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin and HYBE. Here is what the NewJeans members stated in their emergency press conference.
NewJeans Announces Exit From ADOR
NewJeans members Hanni, Minji, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein held an urgent press conference to confirm the group is leaving ADOR. This follows a 14-day ultimatum, during which they submitted a list of demands to the agency.
According to BBC, after the 14 days passed without any resolution, the group addressed the press, stating, “HYBE and the current ADOR are not showing any will to make reforms or to listen to our requests.”
The group explained their decision, saying, “The reason we are leaving ADOR is very simple, and I think the reporters here who know our situation are also all very aware. NewJeans is an artist of ADOR, and ADOR is obligated to protect NewJeans. It is the most basic obligation that an agency has. ADOR does not have the will or ability to protect NewJeans. If we remain here, it will be a waste of our time, and our mental distress will continue. More than anything, there is nothing that we can gain in terms of our work, so the five of us think that there is no reason at all for us to remain at ADOR” (via Soompi).
Danielle further revealed that the group intends to pursue their activities freely without any constraints from ADOR.
This move follows allegations of mistreatment and harassment by HYBE. In October, Hanni testified before South Korea’s National Assembly, claiming that she had been ignored by senior managers at HYBE. She also accused HYBE employees of talking ill about NewJeans on a community app called Blind.
According to Billboard, this development follows a longstanding feud between Min Hee-Jin, who accused HYBE of plagiarizing NewJeans’ concept by debuting another girl group, Illit. In return, HYBE conducted an audit of ADOR, alleging that Min was attempting to take full control of the company.
In August 2024, Min Hee-Jin resigned as CEO of ADOR. The following month, NewJeans posted a now-deleted video demanding her reinstatement and accused HYBE of a toxic work culture.
