K-Pop Group New Jeans Announces Breakup With Agency Ador Amid Controversy Over ‘In-House Bullying’

New Jeans Announces Split from Agency Adore

On the 28th, K-pop girl group New Jeans announced they will leave their agency, Adore. The group accused the agency of bullying and contract manipulation.

During a press conference, the five members stated their decision to cancel their exclusive contract with Adore, a subsidiary of Hive. The group claims they faced workplace harassment, with member Honey expressing that she experienced bullying while working with Hive.

The members voiced their concerns about the agency’s inability to protect them, stating, “It’s not a work ethic we respect.” They alleged that they suffered from miscommunication and manipulation in their work environment.

Adore responded, asserting that the contract remains valid and that the members have not breached any terms. The agency expressed regret over the group’s decision to cancel the agreement without prior discussion.

Both New Jeans and Adore are now involved in a conflict that could lead to legal proceedings, as the contract allows for termination if one party breaches the terms. New Jeans members indicated they would honor their contractual obligations but noted they could not use the name ‘New Jeans’ if the contract is canceled.

The members previously signed a seven-year contract that is set to expire in 2029. Reports estimate that if they terminate their contracts early, they could face a financial penalty of around 300 billion won, a cost that member Herrin dismissed as unreasonable.

New Jeans gained popularity last year with hits like “Super Shy” and “OMG.” They were nominated for Best Group at the MTV Awards. The group includes Minji, Honey, Daniel, Herrin, and Hyeon, all aged between 16 and 20 years.

Following the announcement, Hive’s share price dropped by about 3%. This ongoing dispute has drawn significant media attention and raises questions about the treatment of K-pop artists within the industry.