NewJeans’ Emergency Press Conference In A Nutshell: 4 Key Takeaways
This article is part of our coverage of HYBE vs. ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
It’s official; NewJeans is leaving HYBE Labels‘ subsidiary label, ADOR. On November 28, the group held an emergency press conference to address their contract termination and field questions from reporters. Here are 4 key takeaways from NewJeans’ press conference.
1. Why is NewJeans leaving ADOR?
For months, HYBE and ADOR have been engaged in a public feud that largely centered on NewJeans and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. Throughout the feud, both the NewJeans members and their parents have been vocal about their desire to keep working with Min Hee Jin, who played a major role in championing and nurturing NewJeans since the group’s formation.
According to NewJeans, they are leaving ADOR because they believe that “ADOR neither has the will nor the ability to protect NewJeans.” Hanni explained that the group’s decision comes after the mistreatment NewJeans and their staff suffered at ADOR. According to Hanni, this mistreatment involved “deliberate miscommunications and manipulation.” NewJeans feels that ADOR has become solely profit-driven and no longer “has any sincerity in the art of music.”
“We want to continue working with CEO Min Hee Jin,” Minji said, when asked if she has anything to say to HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk. “and we don’t have anything to say to that person separately.”
방시혁한테 하고 싶은 말 있냐는 질문에 뉴진스 민지 답변 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
저희는 민희진 대표님과 앞으로도 좋은 활동하고 싶고요 그분께 따로 드릴 말씀은 없는 거 같습니다 하고 웃는 거 ㅋㅋ 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UL9NuU1ldw
— 해 (@aboutloveknot) November 28, 2024
2. What is the cost of leaving ADOR?
It was previously reported that NewJeans would need to pay HYBE at least ₩300 billion KRW (about $225 million USD) to terminate their contract. Haerin told reporters that she has seen articles about the reported penalties, but NewJeans has no intention of paying them.
I’ve read several articles about penalties, but we have not violated our exclusive contract. We’ve worked hard and done our best so far, so we believe there’s no reason for us to pay any penalties.
— Haerin
3. Will NewJeans still be NewJeans after leaving ADOR?
Some groups are able to keep their group name after leaving their company, but this isn’t the case for all. Danielle said that they intend to fight for NewJeans, regardless of what their name is in the future.
Danielle [at the conference]: "Lastly, we are well aware that from today, we may not be able to use the name NewJeans. However, that doesn't mean that we are giving up on the name at all, and we will continue to fight for NewJeans. Regardless of our name, NEWJEANS NEVER DIES." pic.twitter.com/7BGDG2n326
— luna ୨ৎ (@luenacore) November 28, 2024
Lastly, we are well aware that from today we might not be able to use our current name NewJeans. However, that doesn’t mean that we are giving up on the name at all. We will continue to fight for NewJeans. Regardless of our name, remember, NewJeans never dies.
— Danielle
4. What is the future of NewJeans?
Leaving ADOR isn’t the end of NewJeans, but rather a new beginning. Danielle stated that NewJeans will be free to do the activities they “really desire,” which includes releasing new music in 2025. The group already has some activities lined up.
Once we leave ADOR, we will proceed freely with the activities we really desire, especially with the schedules we have already had arranged. We will try our very best to continue them without any complications. We really wish to release new music for Bunnies next year, as soon as possible, whenever. We really hope that we have the opportunity to meet you guys from all around the world.
— Danielle
