NewJeans Contract Dispute Highlights Power Struggles in K-Pop Industry

The NewJeans and ADOR Contract Fallout
Korean girl group NewJeans shocked the entertainment world by announcing the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. At a press conference, the group cited a complete breakdown of trust with ADOR and HYBE, calling for the reinstatement of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, whom they credited as the creative force behind their success.

This announcement is the culmination of months of internal conflict. Earlier this year, HYBE accused Min Hee-jin of attempting to seize control of ADOR and filed criminal charges against her. In August, HYBE dismissed Min from her role as CEO, prompting growing discontent among NewJeans members. After submitting legal documents demanding Min’s reinstatement, the group’s dissatisfaction with HYBE’s response escalated, leading to their public declaration to terminate their contract.

Workplace Bullying and Name Disputes Spark Wider Debate
During the press conference, member Hanni revealed instances of workplace bullying within HYBE, alleging that managers ignored her needs under direct instructions from the company. She described the toxic work environment as detrimental to her mental health and demanded an apology from HYBE. Other members expressed concerns about potential breach…