Ador, the record label of the popular South Korean girl group NewJeans, has filed an injunction to prevent the group from signing brand deals without their consent. This legal move comes amidst escalating tensions between the parties, with Ador asserting that such independent activities could destabilize the South Korean music sector. In response, NewJeans, consisting of members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, accused Ador of bullying, harassment, and subterfuge and requested the termination of their contract. The Ministry of Employment and Labour in South Korea dismissed these harassment claims.
The conflict began in September when NewJeans publicly accused Ador of misconduct. Two months later, the group sought to terminate their contract. Ador, however, denied all allegations and filed a lawsuit to assert that the contract could not be terminated unilaterally based on the group's claims. The situation intensified as NewJeans held an emergency press conference to announce their departure from the label. They warned Ador that they would terminate their contract if the company failed to address breaches in their agreement.
"We believe it is important to clarify any misunderstanding that the exclusive contract with the artist has been lawfully terminated, as this could lead to the artist engaging in entertainment activities in violation of the existing agreement." – Ador
Ador is part of the Hybe group, a major player in the K-pop industry. The label stated that the injunction was necessary to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers. They emphasized that allowing unilateral terminations of exclusive contracts without legal procedures could undermine investment in the entertainment industry.
"This decision was made to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers. Allowing unilateral terminations of exclusive contracts and independent activities without legal procedures could undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilise the K-pop sector." – Ador
During a National Assembly meeting on October 15, Hanni testified about her experiences with Ador. She expressed her feelings of being targeted by the company.
"I came to the realisation that this wasn't just a feeling. I was honestly convinced that the company hated us." – Hanni
In their defense, Ador maintained that their actions were justified and necessary to protect their contractual rights.
"It was necessary to clarify to both the artist and all relevant stakeholders that our exclusive contract cannot be unilaterally terminated based solely on the claims from one side." – Ador
"We regret that the press conference regarding the termination of the exclusive contract was planned and conducted without sufficient review, prior to receiving a response to the legal notice." – Ador
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