NewJeans made a major move on November 28, 2024, announcing their shocking split from ADOR at an emergency press conference. The group accused their agency of failing to address their concerns, protect their interests, or implement important reforms. Their choice to terminate their contract has left K-pop insiders with a lot to say, and not everyone is applauding. Major organizations KEPA and KMF quickly called out the decision, arguing it could shake the foundations of the industry.
“we really wish to be able to release new music for bunnies next year asap whenever and we rlly hope that we have the opportunity to meet you guys from all around the world..”
daily reminder newjeans is not disbanding but redebuting with better company! NJ NEVER D!E pic.twitter.com/MatBzJ7FoO
— 🐰 (@_hannibunch) November 28, 2024
KEPA, representing producers, warned that sudden exits like this waste the trust needed to sustain relationships in K-pop. Their reasons? the insane amount of time, money, and energy agencies use for training idols. According to them, moves like this scare off future investors and set a messy precedent for other artists. KMF echoed these worries, stressing that artist-agency relationships should be all about teamwork—not an open invitation to leave their companies.
The Korea Entertainment Producers Association urges NewJeans to go back to ADOR:
— “The unilateral termination of NewJeans, a rapidly successful three-year old group, could set a very dangerous precedent that threatens the sustainability of the Korean pop culture and arts… pic.twitter.com/cYJc2LIN7w
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) December 5, 2024
NewJeans, however, isn’t taking steps back. The group insists their decision was necessary after ADOR ignored a legal notice to resolve contract violations. While ADOR claimed the group acted without notice, NewJeans clapped back. They stated that company’s inaction prompted to decide to exit their way out of ADOR.
