Renowned Producer Speaks Out on NewJeans Controversy: “A Contract Is Not a Joke”
Amid escalating legal tensions between NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, renowned composer and producer Yoon Il-sang has publicly weighed in, offering a candid perspective on the implications of contracts and adult responsibilities in the K-pop industry.
Yoon Il-sang Speaks Out on NewJeans Controversy
In a video uploaded on May 2 to his YouTube channel, Producer Yoon Il-sang, titled “Speaking Out! NewJeans Controversy and K-pop Industry Secrets,” Yoon responded to questions about the situation surrounding NewJeans, saying, “A contract is not a joke. If you truly care about artists, you shouldn’t expose them to risk. That’s not love.”
Yoon expressed concern for the young idols, saying, “It breaks my heart to see the NewJeans members going through this. They might regret their actions someday, but only someone who’s been through it can understand. That’s when the adults should step in to protect them.” He emphasized that the adults in their lives may be putting their own interests ahead of the group’s long-term future.
He stressed the ethical weight of production: “This business is about people, not products. Producing someone means you’re vowing to take responsibility for their life and career.”
Yoon elaborated on the dynamics of different types of agencies: “A large company may excel at PR but can’t always provide individualized attention. A smaller company may lack resources but build deeper trust. Artists must decide what’s best for them.”
Yoon Il-sang Criticizes Adults Behind NewJeans’ Actions as Legal Battle with ADOR Intensifies
Referencing NewJeans’ decision to terminate their contract, Yoon stated, “They made a choice. If they signed a contract, they should fulfill it. Afterwards, they can assert their rights. But giving interviews and criticizing Korean music publicly—maybe they should’ve reconsidered that.”
Still, he reserved his sharpest criticism for the adults who encouraged the group’s actions: “I don’t blame the members. I’m more upset with the adults who put them in this position. If it were Brown Eyed Girls, I would’ve said, ‘Let me handle it for you.’ This kind of pressure is too much for them.”
Yoon concluded, “An agency exists so that artists can focus on their craft—choreography, concepts, performances—while the company handles the rest. If they have to do it all themselves, why have an agency at all?”
Meanwhile, the NewJeans-ADOR dispute continues, with NewJeans launching independent promotions as “NJZ” after terminating their contracts. However, the Seoul court granted ADOR’s injunction, halting their activities. The group’s objection was dismissed, leading to an appeal. The second court hearing is scheduled for June 5, focusing on whether CEO Min Hee-jin’s ouster was sufficient to justify contract termination.