Circle Chart Threatens to Boycott NewJeans If They Don’t Return to ADOR, Netizens Angered
On December 13, the Korea Music Content Association (hereinafter referred to as KMCA), which is behind Circle Chart (formerly known as “Gaon Chart”), released a statement against NewJeans and Min Hee-jin.
In particular, the KMCA stated, “We express deep concern over recent attempts at tampering in the pop music industry and declare our commitment to doing everything in our power to eliminate tampering, which could shake the foundation of Korea’s music industry.”
According to the KMCA, starting with girl group FIFTY FIFTY, the music scene has seen various allegations of tampering, a practice of enticing artists away from their agencies before their contracts expire.
Regarding this, the KMCA said, “External producers hired by entertainment agencies persuaded young, promising artists and their parents to sever their exclusive contracts with current agencies. Shortly after this, tampering allegations against Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, reported by a certain media outlet, regardless of their truth, starkly revealed how widespread tampering is in the industry. This also demonstrates that tampering can happen not only in small agencies but also large ones, which we can no longer ignore.”
“Min Hee-jin must disclose her precise stance and clarify the facts surrounding the tampering allegations reported by the media. Past reports have raised numerous suspicions about her alleged tampering attempts and breach of trust against her former agency. Now, more than ever, a clear response from Min Hee-jin, a central figure in this tampering case, is necessary. She must not avoid the matter with ambiguous or inflammatory responses but instead reveal the exact truth to end the ongoing controversy”, the association added.
The KMCA then requested NewJeans to return to ADOR, saying, “You must fulfill your contractual obligations and engage in genuine dialogue with your agency. If an agreement cannot be reached, you must humbly await the judgment of the courts. The popular music industry does not consist solely of NewJeans. Many senior artists, employees of other agencies, peers, and junior artists who are inspired by you are all striving in their respective positions. Please be mindful of your significant position as representatives of K-pop and proceed cautiously.”
They then threaten to boycott NewJeans and other artists unilaterally ending their contracts, stating, “We will consider excluding album and digital sales figures of agencies and artists suspected of tampering from Circle Chart’s tally. Moreover, we will review discontinuing the provision of data to music programs (M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, Inkigayo, etc.) and major domestic music awards (Circle Chart Music Awards, MAMA, Golden Disc Awards).”
Finally, the KMCA concluded, “These measures are essential for maintaining order and promoting sustainable development in the popular music industry. Extreme self-interest will eventually lead to division and mutual destruction in the music industry. We urge all parties involved in this case to approach investigations sincerely with a sense of responsibility for the harm caused to the industry’s image. KMCA will work closely with all stakeholders to seek solutions for the healthy development of the industry.”
Upon reading this announcement, many Korean netizens were shocked, with most expressing their support for NewJeans.
They have since left comments such as, “The more I see things like this, I think that NewJeans is really clean and has nothing to lose, so external factors are going to such lengths to interfere and hold them back”, “Excluding NewJeans from the charts and refusing to provide related data from shows and awards is ultimately the same as trying to manipulate the charts”, and “Is NewJeans a slave? Was what NewJeans signed not a contract, but a slave document? In a free country, who are you to suppress and infringe on personal freedom?”
