K-pop girl group NewJeans / Image captured from NewJeans' Instagram
In a formal legal notice sent Wednesday, K-pop girl group NewJeans issued an ultimatum to its agency, Ador, saying it would terminate its members' exclusive contracts if the group's demands were not met.
According to reports, the certification of content sent by the five NewJeans members — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein — includes requests for the label to "rectify all material breaches of the exclusive contract within 14 days of receiving."
This includes a demand for Ador's former CEO, Min Hee-jin, to resume her former role overseeing Ador's management and NewJeans' overall production, as she did in the past.
"Bring Ador back to the time when NewJeans happily worked with Min until March 2024," the notice reportedly states. "We miss the NewJeans that was excited about creating new, creative music and performances with her."
This tension follows a power struggle between Ador's parent company, HYBE Labels, and former CEO Min, which began in April. The conflict escalated in August when HYBE unilaterally dismissed Min through Ador's board meeting, followed by a public demand by the five NewJeans members for Min's return in a surprise YouTube livestream in September.
Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, left, and HYBE Labels' chairperson Bang Si-hyuk / Yonhap
The legal notice also reportedly includes a request for an official apology regarding bullying allegations made by member Hanni. In the September livestream, Hanni alleged that a manager for a K-pop group under another HYBE subsidiary instructed their artists to "ignore" her during an encounter within HYBE headquarters.
NewJeans additionally raised concerns about controversial internal HYBE reports, which previously sparked criticism for containing derogatory remarks about several active K-pop idols.
The group's notice demanded Ador address a statement from the report, "It would be easier to abandon NewJeans from the scene and start fresh," and identify who was responsible for the decision. They requested civil and criminal action if any illegal activity was discovered.
Further demands include the removal of videos and photos exposed without consent during the agency dispute, an assessment of losses NewJeans incurred due to HYBE's alleged "chart manipulation" tactics, resolution of issues arising from conflicts with director Shin Woo-seok — who has worked on the group's creative projects — and preservation of NewJeans' unique style and works.
The NewJeans members also addressed rumors involving their families, denying any connection to these rumors and vowing firm action against anyone spreading false information about them.
A visitor takes a picture outside HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan District, Seoul, Sept. 25. Yonhap
Ador noted Thursday that they have received NewJeans requests.
“We received the notice this morning and are currently reviewing it to understand the specific requests. We are committed to resolving this matter wisely so that we can continue working with the artist," the agency said.
While the HYBE-Ador conflict now risks evolving into a contractual dispute between NewJeans members and their agency, industry insiders see little hope for an amicable resolution, as both sides have failed to reach an agreement despite multiple public appeals and meetings.
Ha Seo-jeong, an attorney with Homes Law Firm, expressed concerns that NewJeans' desire to part ways with HYBE could be seen as a tampering attempt.
"Tampering generally refers to third parties trying to entice an athlete or artist from a company during their contract term. Since Min was CEO of both HYBE and Ador, this wouldn't be considered traditional tampering," she clarified.
However, she added, "If NewJeans' push for independence progresses, it could legally constitute tampering by Min's side."
Under standard contract terms, penalties are calculated by multiplying the monthly average revenue over the last two years by the remaining contract term, which for NewJeans could exceed 300 billion won ($213 million). The contract term between NewJeans and Ador is until 2029.
Despite the dispute, NewJeans plans to proceed with its scheduled activities, including a special performance at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards at Inspire Arena on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, slated for Saturday. Hanni will also perform as an opening act alongside actor Nam Ji-hyun, who will co-host the event.