K-pop superstars NewJeans have made a bold decision to cut ties with Hybe, the powerful music company in South Korea. The girl group announced their departure from Hybe and the termination of their contract with ADOR, an affiliate of Hybe, citing breach of contract by the management company.
The conflict arose due to infighting between executives of Hybe and ADOR’s former chief executive, who also serves as the band’s creative director. This situation has created a stir in the K-pop scene, with accusations, audits, and emotional press conferences dominating the headlines.
During an emergency press conference, NewJeans expressed their determination to continue pursuing their dreams, even if they are unable to use their current name. The group’s decision to part ways with Hybe may lead to legal disputes, as there are still years left on their original contract.
NewJeans’ representative mentioned the possibility of legal action once the group hires a lawyer. The future activities of the group remain uncertain, as it is unclear whether they will continue under a new entity or with a different record label.
The conflict escalated when Hybe accused Min Hee-jin, the producer behind NewJeans, of attempting to take control of the label. Despite Min’s denial of the allegation and public criticism of Hybe, the producer was asked to step down from the management role but remains a board member and producer at ADOR.
NewJeans demanded that Hybe reinstate Min as the CEO, but when this did not happen, Min resigned from the board and left the company. The group expressed their desire to continue working with Min if possible, highlighting the importance of their collaboration.
Having debuted in 2022, NewJeans quickly rose to fame as one of the most popular K-pop bands worldwide, contributing significantly to Hybe’s revenue. The group’s hits like “Attention” and “Super Shy” have been well-received by fans.
The ongoing conflict between NewJeans and Hybe reflects the complexities and challenges within the K-pop industry. As the situation unfolds, fans await further developments and hope for an amicable resolution for all parties involved.