NewJeans Members Declare Independent Activities Amid Contract Dispute
The members of NewJeans have announced their intention to pursue independent activities while embroiled in a contract dispute with their agency, Ador. In response, several music industry organizations have voiced concerns, stating that this situation represents a crisis for K-pop.
On February 19, five music-related organizations, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, issued a statement urging an end to baseless public opinion campaigns that seek to benefit certain agencies and artists at the expense of the industry. They called for government support to eradicate 'tampering,' a term used to describe the unethical poaching of artists from their agencies.
The organizations emphasized the need for accurate fact-checking and thorough discussions among stakeholders rather than relying on public opinion battles to resolve disputes. They pointed out that the ongoing conflict involving former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans member Hani's recent appearance at a National Assembly hearing exemplifies a troubling trend where private disputes are aired publicly instead of being resolved through legal channels.
The statement expressed concern that the K-pop industry, which garners significant public interest, could be adversely affected by unverified allegations that may be accepted as fact without proper scrutiny. They highlighted the potential for new regulations to be introduced without a comprehensive understanding of the industry, which could lead to frequent disruptions.
The organizations also criticized the unilateral claims made by NewJeans regarding their contract termination with Ador, stating that such public declarations exacerbate the exposure of private disputes and could lead to artists attempting independent activities before legal resolutions are reached.
They warned that the ongoing allegations of tampering could undermine agencies that have invested heavily in artists' success, and they called for the establishment of legal protections against such practices. The organizations stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of exclusive contracts and ensuring that artists are aware of the implications of their actions.
In conclusion, they urged the National Assembly and the government to recognize the serious risks posed by these disputes to the K-pop industry and to take action to protect it from potential crises.
