NewJeans Members Announce Termination of Contract with ADOR, Set to Pursue Independent Activities

The five members of the group NewJeans have claimed that their exclusive contract with ADOR has been terminated, allowing them to embark on independent activities. In a statement released on the 29th, members Kim Minji, Hani Pham, Marsh Daniel, Kang Hae-rin, and Lee Hye-in announced, "As of November 29, 2024, we have terminated our exclusive contract with ADOR and will be free to continue our activities away from HYBE and ADOR." They emphasized that the contract termination took effect at midnight, reiterating their earlier announcement made during a press conference.

The members stated that ADOR, as their management agency, had a duty to manage their interests diligently. They revealed, "On November 13, 2024, we made our final request to ADOR to rectify their breaches of contract. However, after the 14-day correction period passed, ADOR refused to address any of our concerns, and none of our issues were resolved."

They expressed frustration over ADOR's repeated avoidance and excuses, stating, "True communication based on mutual respect has not been achieved due to ADOR's actions."

Despite their requests for specific actions from ADOR, the agency failed to respond adequately, leading the members to conclude that rectification was no longer feasible. They stressed that their urgent press conference was not a delay tactic, countering ADOR's claims that they were waiting for a response.

The members reiterated, "We are notifying ADOR of the termination of our contract due to their breach of obligations and failure to rectify the situation within the correction period. This termination notice is based on our exclusive contract, and we have all signed the termination document. The notice will take effect immediately upon reaching ADOR on November 29, 2024, meaning the contract will no longer be valid from that point onward. Therefore, there is no need for us to file for a provisional injunction to terminate the contract, and we will be free to pursue our activities starting November 29, 2024."

They also clarified that they have fulfilled their contractual obligations as ADOR's artists and that the termination is solely due to ADOR's breaches, absolving them of any liability for damages.

The members expressed their desire not to cause harm to others due to the contract termination, stating, "We will fulfill all contractual obligations made with ADOR and others prior to the termination date."

They emphasized that their decision came after much contemplation, stating, "We can no longer remain with ADOR, which has failed to fulfill its basic duty to protect its artists. Continuing the contract would only cause us severe mental distress, leading us to the conclusion that we must part ways with ADOR."

Additionally, they mentioned the emotional toll caused by numerous media speculations based on false information, hoping for a cessation of such occurrences post-termination. They committed to putting forth their best efforts to deliver great music in the future and expressed gratitude for the support from their fans.

In contrast, ADOR maintains that the exclusive contract with NewJeans is valid until July 31, 2029, asserting, "We have not breached the contract, and claims of unilateral loss of trust do not constitute grounds for termination."

HYBE, ADOR's parent company, announced that they received the termination notice on the 28th and will respond appropriately, promising to disclose any decisions regarding the contract's termination in due course.