The K-pop superstars NewJeans have officially declared they plan to part ways with Hybe, in a dramatic step that could spark legal battles with South Korea’s most powerful music company.
The chart-topping girl group said that as of Nov 29 they are also terminating their exclusive contract with their record label ADOR, an affiliate of Hybe.
ADOR said, however, that the agreement between it and the band members “remains in full effect”.
“Therefore, we respectfully request that the group continue its collaboration with ADOR on upcoming activities, as has been the practice to date,” it said in a statement.
The group has been caught in the middle of infighting between executives of Hybe and ADOR’s former chief executive, who is the band’s creative director.
The latest controversy in the K-pop scene has gripped South Korea this year, with a blame game of accusations, audits and an emotional press conference making headlines.
At an emergency press conference on Thursday night, NewJeans said the termination is due to breach of contract by the management company.
“We are well aware that from today we may not be able to use our current name NewJeans,” said NewJeans member Danielle. “However, that doesn’t mean that we are giving up on the name at all.
“We will continue to fight for new dreams regardless of our name. Just remember that NewJeans never dies.”
“Once we leave ADOR, we’ll aim to proceed freely with the activities that we really desire,” she continued.
“We really wish to be able to release new music for Bunnies, next year, as soon as possible, whenever,” she said, referring to their fans.
NewJeans’ unilateral decision to break up with Hybe comes after a months-long revolt against the agency. With a few years left on their original contract, an objection from the management company may result in legal actions that could drag on for months or years.
A representative for NewJeans stated that the group may go through legal proceedings if necessary once they hire a lawyer. It is unclear how the group can continue their activities, whether through a new entity or with another record label.
The internal strife came to public attention earlier this year when Hybe argued that Min Hee-jin, the producer behind the group, had attempted to seize control of the label. Min refuted the allegation and publicly denounced Hybe.
Min, who owns an 18% of stake in ADOR, was ordered by its board to step down from the top management role, while remaining as a board member and producer. NewJeans sent an ultimatum to Hybe, demanding the firm reinstate the ousted producer as chief executive officer.
Without Hybe’s decision to reinstate Min, the producer stepped down from the board and left the company last week, warning of legal actions against alleged illegal acts by Hybe.
NewJeans made their debut in 2022 as a five-member act and quickly became one of the most popular K-pop bands globally, with hits like Attention and Super Shy. The group helped the music label generate about 110 billion won ($79 million) of revenue last year, contributing to about 5% of Hybe’s consolidated sales.
“We would certainly love to continue working with Min if we can,” said another member, Minji.
