Statement From New Jeans

Below is the full statement from NewJeans:: ---

Hello, this is Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

We feel regretful having to release such a statement amid this unsettling situation. Recently, through the media, we learned that ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation that our exclusive contracts with them remain valid. In its official statement, ADOR failed to properly assert that there were no breaches of the exclusive contract. Instead, it merely repeated the claim that, since the company provided support and investment, contract termination is impossible until those costs are recovered.

However, we have already returned profits to ADOR and HYBE that exceed the initial investment. Even so, HYBE attempted various forms of obstruction—such as defamation and “reverse-viral” attacks—to diminish our value. After the management at ADOR changed, the company abetted these acts. Essentially, the company meant to protect us ended up producing malicious comments against us.

Considering this severe breakdown of trust, we judged that we would likely suffer even greater harm moving forward. Our trust in ADOR and HYBE, who repeatedly breached contract terms and failed to fulfill their duty to protect their own artists, has already collapsed. As explicitly stated in the exclusive contract, there are no longer any reasons for us to continue working with ADOR and HYBE.

The exclusive contract clearly includes a clause stating that if ADOR fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, we have the right to terminate the contract. Forcing us to continue working under such a fractured trust relationship and clear contract violations—demanding that we remain bound to them for another five years—is not only irrational but also inhumane. We gave ADOR a 14-day grace period to rectify the violations, but ADOR failed to address them at all.

Accordingly, following the provisions of the exclusive contract, we notified ADOR of our contract termination, which took immediate effect. ADOR has now filed a lawsuit seeking a court’s judgment on the legality of this termination. However, this is merely a post-facto procedure to obtain judicial confirmation.

We express our deep regret that, despite this, ADOR issued a statement misleading the public into believing that the contract still remains in force. Once again, to be perfectly clear, as of November 29, 2024, we are no longer under ADOR. ADOR cannot interfere with or involve itself in our activities.

They have outwardly claimed to seek dialogue and reconciliation, yet behind the scenes, they followed and defamed us. When we came across articles from media outlets spreading false information, we couldn’t help but feel both fear and disgust. But no matter how hard anyone tries to drive a wedge between us, the five of us remain united, and no one can tear us apart.

Even after announcing our contract termination, we are faithfully carrying out the remaining schedules with ADOR as promised. However, we witnessed managers and staff members who assist us being subjected to severe harassment: having their laptops confiscated by ADOR and HYBE and being suddenly subjected to interrogations without prior notice. Seeing them reduced to tears under such treatment is deeply distressing.

It is unimaginable and unacceptable to us that staff members who continue to support the remaining schedules would suffer due to this unscrupulous and inhumane company. The fact that the harm doesn’t end with us is painful to bear.

We anticipate that the road ahead will not be easy, but we dream of living a life alongside the fans who love us, sustained by healthy musical activities. We are determined to make that dream a reality.

Even after a change in CEO, HYBE’s various issues repeatedly surfaced, yet ADOR did nothing to rectify them. Far from protecting us, ADOR never demanded improvements from other labels that defamed us and spread falsehoods. Furthermore, we deeply regret that ADOR, which had relied on insubstantial excuses, has now decided to escalate matters by filing a lawsuit.

However, we look forward to the trial process fully revealing the circumstances that forced us to terminate the exclusive contract and ADOR’s reasons for contract violations. We want to be courageous and healthy individuals. We sincerely thank all who have supported us thus far, and we kindly ask for your continued interest and love for the five of us.

Thank you.

source: https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/609/0000929644