NewJeans Announces Termination of Contract with Ador and HYBE, Vows to Keep Their Name

K-pop girl group NewJeans held an emergency press conference on November 28, announcing their decision to terminate their exclusive contract with Ador and HYBE. Despite still being under contract, they expressed their intention to do so without paying any penalties and to continue using the name 'NewJeans.'

The members Kim Minji, Hani, Marsh Daniel, Kang Hae-rin, and Lee Hyein gathered at the Galaxy Hall in Samsung Station, Gangnam, Seoul, to share their stance. They stated that as of midnight on November 29, they would no longer be affiliated with Ador, emphasizing that the company has failed to protect them as artists.

"Ador has an obligation to protect NewJeans, but they lack both the will and the ability to do so. We believe it is a waste of time to remain under these circumstances, which have caused us mental distress. There is no reason for all five of us to stay, as we gain nothing professionally," they explained.

NewJeans claimed they have faced disadvantages from both HYBE and Ador and felt no commitment to rectify the situation. They pointed out that the two companies are essentially one entity, and recent changes within Ador, including the sudden dismissal of board members, have shattered their trust.

They reiterated that their contract would officially end at midnight, stating, "Once the contract is terminated, we will no longer be Ador's artists. We want to pursue our true desires freely, although we will fulfill previously scheduled commitments."

Regarding potential penalties, NewJeans asserted, "We have not violated our contract and have always done our best. We see no reason to pay any penalties. The current situation is a result of breaches by Ador and HYBE, and they should be held accountable."

Minji added that since Ador and HYBE have violated the contract, the termination would render the contract void, allowing them to continue their activities without hindrance.

Despite the contract termination, NewJeans intends to retain the name 'NewJeans.' Hyein stated, "After midnight, we might not be able to use the name for a while, but the essence remains unchanged. We have no intention of giving up. For us, 'NewJeans' is not just a name; it carries the significance of our journey together since day one. We will strive to secure our rights to the name."

The group's unilateral decision to terminate the contract has been described as unprecedented. NewJeans sent a notice to Ador and HYBE but received no response, prompting them to proceed with the termination. However, Ador claimed to have sent a detailed 26-page response to NewJeans' notice on the same day.

Ador expressed surprise at NewJeans' sudden decision to terminate the contract and provided a comprehensive response to the issues raised by the group, hoping to clarify any misunderstandings. They emphasized that their previous silence was to protect the artists' image and suggested that direct discussions would be more effective than public discourse.

As NewJeans moves forward with their decision, they remain firm in their stance against paying penalties and their commitment to using the name 'NewJeans.'