NewJeans, which “is not considered a labor force”, announced its termination from the company, and the resistance of KPOP artists continues | Past 24 hours | Corner International udn Global

On November 28, members of the South Korean girl group NewJeans held a press conference announcing their contract termination with the agency ADOR. This termination took effect from midnight on November 29. The group stated that ADOR and its parent company, HYBE, failed to address serious breaches of contract within the given timeframe. They highlighted that the companies showed neither willingness nor ability to support the group adequately.

NewJeans consists of five young members aged 16 to 20, who rose to fame after their debut in 2022. They achieved significant recognition by winning the Best Global K-Pop Artist Award at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards. However, since spring, ADOR has been in a dispute with Min Hee Jin, the group’s producer, which has led to public tensions.

The members expressed their support for Min Hee Jin multiple times, including a surprise YouTube live broadcast in September, where they urged for her reinstatement. Hanni, one of the members, testified against workplace bullying during a South Korean congressional meeting in October. However, the Ministry of Labor ruled that her contract did not classify her as an employee, dismissing her complaints.

Before ending their contract, NewJeans requested changes from ADOR via a letter but received no acknowledgment. They face potential liquidated damages of 600 billion won but believe the responsibility lies with the companies, and thus, they should not owe any damages. While they cannot currently use the NewJeans name, they plan to secure the trademark rights and expressed their unity with the slogan “NewJeans never die.”

What led to NewJeans’ decision to terminate their contract with ADOR?

Interview with Industry Specialist on newjeans’ Contract Termination with ADOR

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss teh recent news surrounding South Korean girl group NewJeans, who announced their contract termination with ADOR.What are your initial thoughts on this situation?

Specialist: Thank you for having me. This growth is quite important, not just for NewJeans but for the entire K-pop industry. The termination of their contract highlights ongoing tensions between artists and management agencies, particularly regarding the well-being of artists and the fairness of contractual obligations.

Interviewer: NewJeans claims that ADOR and its parent company, HYBE, failed to address serious breaches of contract. What are the common contractual issues faced by K-pop artists?

Specialist: Many K-pop contracts have been labeled as “slave contracts” due to their lengthy durations and the significant control agencies exert over artists’ lives. Issues often include low pay, lack of creative control, and insufficient support for mental health. NewJeans’ case is a prime example where they feel neglected and unsupported, leading to their drastic decision to terminate the contract.

Interviewer: The group has publicly supported Min Hee Jin, their producer, amidst disputes. How does artist support within groups affect contractual dynamics?

Specialist: Artist solidarity is crucial. When members back a producer or a fellow group member, it signals a collective stance against management. This can amplify their voices and puts additional pressure on the agency to address the grievances. In the case of newjeans,their consistent support for Min Hee Jin indicates a strong bond and shared concerns about their treatment.

Interviewer: NewJeans might face significant liquidated damages of about 600 billion won. How do artists typically navigate such financial penalties when terminating contracts?

Specialist: Artists often face daunting financial repercussions for terminating contracts, which can led to considerable stress. Many believe that despite potential damages, the moral duty lies with the agency for failing to uphold their part of the agreement. In this case, NewJeans is pushing the narrative that their decision is based on self-preservation and that they shouldn’t be held liable financially.

Interviewer: The response from ADOR indicated that they consider the contract valid and expressed a desire to support the group. What does this imply for the future of both NewJeans and ADOR?

Specialist: This indicates a tumultuous road ahead. If ADOR maintains that the contract is still valid while NewJeans seeks independence, this could lead to legal battles. Though, newjeans’ intention to secure trademark rights and maintain their identity signifies that they are steadfast to carve their own path moving forward, which is empowering for artists in the industry at large.

Interviewer: Lastly, how does this situation reflect broader changes in the K-pop industry regarding artist rights and independence?

Specialist: We’re witnessing a shifting landscape in K-pop, where more artists are standing up for their rights and pushing back against conventional agency structures. As digital platforms rise, artists are finding ways to connect directly with fans, diminishing the gatekeeping role of agencies. This fuels a movement towards greater autonomy, paving the way for a new generation of artists who are more vocal about their expectations for fair treatment and respectful contracts. NewJeans’ actions exemplify this trend and may inspire others in the industry to advocate for change.

Interviewer: Thank you for your insights. The developments surrounding NewJeans are certainly a reflection of a much larger conversation about artist rights and agency accountability in K-pop.

Specialist: absolutely. Thank you for having me!

ADOR responded by stating that the contract remains valid and expressed regret over the situation, insisting that they will continue to support NewJeans’ activities.

Conflicts between K-pop groups and their agencies are common. Many artists have sought to terminate contracts over unfair terms, often described as “slave contracts.” This struggle highlights longstanding issues in the industry regarding artist rights but shows a shift as more artists now assert their independence and challenge management practices.

NewJeans’ situation represents a broader trend in the entertainment industry towards artist autonomy and reflects changing societal views. As digital technology evolves, younger artists use it to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights, inspiring fans globally.