Photo=Video Capture

Group NewJeans has announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR. It was literally an "announcement."

 

On the evening of the 28th at 8:30 PM, NewJeans (Minji, Hani, Daniel, Haerin, Hyein) held an urgent press conference at the Space Share Samsung Station Center Galaxy Hall in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where they disclosed their stance on terminating the contract with ADOR.

 

Upon entering the press conference venue, the members of NewJeans read their prepared statements one by one.

 

Hani started, "Today's gathering was arranged because the deadline for our rectification demands to ADOR ends at midnight on the 29th. Even though office hours are over, neither HYBE nor ADOR have shown any willingness or signs of meeting our demands. Moreover, with an overseas schedule tomorrow, we were uncertain what HYBE might say, so we wanted to clearly express our opinion."

 

She continued, "The reason we are leaving ADOR is quite simple. NewJeans is an artist under ADOR, and ADOR has the duty to protect us. It's the most basic obligation, but ADOR lacks the will and the capability to fulfill it. Therefore, we believe it’s a waste of our time to continue here. We anticipate the mental anguish will also continue. Above all, there is nothing to gain professionally."

 

Minji stated, "Our exclusive contract with ADOR will be terminated starting from midnight on the 29th. We could not accept their demand to keep the exclusive contract when there is no trust. HYBE and ADOR have shown no intention to improve, only performative responses, and they have not addressed our rectification demands. We are tired of their insincere attitude and have felt again that they are not truly committed to us. The termination of the exclusive contract will occur immediately at midnight on the 29th."

 

Daniel mentioned, "Once the exclusive contract is terminated, we will no longer be artists under ADOR. However, we will proceed with the scheduled advertisements and promotions as planned. We truly appreciate our supporters and want to assure them there is no need to worry. We have no desire to cause harm to anyone due to the contract termination."

 

Haerin added, "I've read articles about the penalty fees, but we have not violated the exclusive contract. We have always done our best in our activities, and we believe there is no need for us to pay any penalty fees. Rather, this situation has arisen because of HYBE and ADOR."

 

Hyein also stated, "After midnight today, we may no longer be able to use the name NewJeans, but the five of us are still NewJeans, and we have no intention of giving up. The name NewJeans contains all our experiences together from the first time we met. We will strive to fully secure the name NewJeans."

 

Furthermore, they repeatedly criticized the indifferent attitudes of ADOR and HYBE, and also expressed their strong desire to continue working with former CEO Min Hee-jin.

 

Minji remarked, "Not everyone has the courage to act as they intend. We have gained a lot of courage from our supporters, Bernie's, and CEO Min Hee-jin. We have always been busy and shown our best. The saying that we want to set a precedent has given us a lot of courage. It’s not easy for someone to stake their life and stand their ground. These are issues that others will never resolve for us, and we organized this meeting because we want to be honorable. There are many challenges ahead, and we don’t know what will happen, but the five of us are united in enjoying this adventure. Additionally, we hope that whether at school or at work, an environment of mutual respect without bullying will be established."

 

She continued, "If possible, we want to continue working with CEO Min Hee-jin. We have communicated our stance to ADOR. ADOR also sent us an email today saying, '14 days were not enough. We regret not being able to discuss this in person and there is no action we can take as it’s not an act committed by ADOR.' We gave them our rectification demands and a timeframe, but they showed no willingness to meet them. If they attempt reconciliation afterward, we consider it to be just for show. Even yesterday's statement began with 'actions regarding the proof of content,' showing they have never been sincere with us."

Photo=Video Capture

While NewJeans has declared the termination of their exclusive contract, citing unreasonable and negligent behavior by ADOR and HYBE, it remains uncertain whether things will proceed as they wish.

 

NewJeans members have stated that they will not proceed with a lawsuit to terminate the exclusive contract.

 

A contract is a legally binding document formed by mutual agreement. Naturally, legal procedures are necessary to terminate it. However, NewJeans is skipping these procedures by declaring the contract terminated, effectively claiming as of midnight on the 29th, there will be no existing contract with ADOR.

 

When asked by this newspaper whether NewJeans considers themselves to be 100% the victims and ADOR and HYBE the perpetrators, they briefly pondered before nodding in agreement. Additionally, when asked if not proceeding with a lawsuit means they intend to unilaterally break the contract, NewJeans members replied, "This situation has arisen because ADOR and HYBE violated the contract. We think it occurred due to a lack of respect. We have demanded answers to this unreasonable situation, and no responses have been provided."

 

An agency later took over the event proceedings, stating, "Legal aspects will be handled by appointing legal representatives and providing responses later on."

 

Minji also added, "There has been no precedent for this type of contract termination. That’s why we have created this situation. Discussions on what to do next have not yet been completed. (Among the members) we will discuss it thoroughly," signaling that further actions will be taken.

 

Meanwhile, on the 13th, NewJeans sent a proof of content to ADOR demanding the identification and actions against the person who decided to 'abandon NewJeans,' an official apology from the manager who told Hani to 'ignore it,' deletion of videos and photos used without consent, assessment of damages from 'pushing out albums' and solutions, resolution of disputes with director Shin Woo-seok from Dolphin Kidnapping Squad and the disappearance of previous works, protection of NewJeans' unique colors and works, and the reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee-jin, threatening a lawsuit to terminate the exclusive contract if these were not met within 14 days.