Korean entertainment agency ADOR said NewJeans’ exclusive contract is “in full effect” despite the members’ declaration that they were terminating it due to alleged violations. 

Members of NewJeans announced that they were terminating their exclusive contract with ADOR, a Korean entertainment agency under HYBE, claiming violations. 

However, ADOR, in a statement sent to Manila Bulletin, said breach of trust is not a valid ground for contract termination. 

NewJeans (X)

NewJeans held a press conference on Nov. 28 to announce their decision to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR. 

They earlier demanded that ADOR reinstate Min Hee-jin to her position as the company’s CEO. 

Last Nov. 20, Min Hee-jin announced her resignation as inside director of ADOR. 

“I am resigning from ADOR’s inside director today. I will also terminate the shareholder agreement I signed with HYBE and hold HYBE legally responsible for its violation of the shareholder agreement. In addition, I will take necessary legal action one by one against HYBE and its associates for their numerous illegal acts,” Min Hee-jin said in a statement, according to Korean media. 

During the press conference, NewJeans’ Minji said, "Our contract will be terminated as of midnight, today. It was ADOR and HYBE that violated the contract, so we are ending it," the Korea Herald reported. 

"Moreover, we have never breached our exclusive contract and have always given our best efforts. There is no reason for us to pay any penalties. It is ADOR and HYBE who have violated the terms, and the responsibility lies with them,” she claimed.

Member Hanni said, “Staying here feels like a waste of time and a source of continued mental anguish. Most importantly, there is nothing for us to gain professionally, which is why all five of us have no reason to remain.” 

About using the name NewJeans, Hyein said, “The essence of NewJeans will always be with us, and we will not give away our name easily. It represents everything from the beginning of our journey to where we are now.”

ADOR holds the trademark registration for the name “NewJeans.” It was registered in 2022 and will expire in 2032, according to the registration on the KIPRIS (Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service) website. 

NewJeans said they want to work with Min Hee-jin. 

“We haven’t spoken to Min about our contract termination with ADOR, but we would certainly love to work with her again if possible,” said Minji.

In its statement, ADOR said, “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 said breach of trust is not a valid ground for contract termination. 

“ADOR, as the contractual party, has not violated the terms of the agreement. A unilateral claim of a breach of trust does not constitute valid grounds for terminating the contract,” the company said. 

It said NewJeans’ contract is still in effect despite their declaration. 

“The exclusive agreement between ADOR and the NewJeans 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,” said ADOR. 

It added, “Despite multiple requests for meetings with the artists, our efforts have not been successful. We hope the members will now be willing to engage in an open and candid discussion. ADOR is committed to fully supporting NewJeans in their activities and will continue to make every effort to assist in their growth as global artists.”