ADOR Cancels NewJeans Content Release Despite Previous Promise of Full Support

On January 9, ADOR announced through NewJeans’ official account, “We inform you that the Light Jeans content, scheduled to be uploaded on January 10 at 7 PM (KST), has been canceled due to internal and external circumstances. We kindly ask for your understanding.”

Earlier, on January 4, NewJeans attended the 39th Golden Disc Awards, marking the conclusion of their official schedules promised to ADOR. Only a few advertisement-related commitments reportedly remain.

Since late last year, NewJeans and ADOR have been involved in a legal dispute. On November 27, 2024, NewJeans members held an emergency press conference, declaring that ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary label, had failed to rectify violations within 14 days of receiving a formal notice of breach.

Just before the press conference, ADOR sent a 26-page response to NewJeans‘ final notice and proof of contents. NewJeans referred to the response as insincere, raising questions about its content. Yonhap News TV obtained this response exclusively.  

In their response, ADOR maintained a clear position: the contract signed with NewJeans on April 21, 2024, remains valid until July 31, 2029, seven years from the group’s debut date.  

They stated that they had done their best to support NewJeans, enabling the group to grow into a top-tier team both domestically and internationally in a short period.  

Regarding the conflict between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and parent company HYBE, ADOR described it as an unforeseen legal dispute. They emphasized their consistent support for NewJeans despite the leadership change.  

The response also mentioned plans for a fan meeting, a full-length album, and a world tour scheduled for next year. However, ADOR expressed regret that NewJeans and their families did not provide opportunities for dialogue.  

Additionally, ADOR argued that dissatisfaction with unmet subjective expectations does not constitute a breach of contract.  

Many of the issues NewJeans cited as breaches, ADOR claimed, stemmed from actions by third parties, not ADOR. They added that they lacked the authority to enforce demands on such third parties and highlighted insufficient evidence to substantiate some claims.  

Legally, ADOR questioned whether the alleged breaches were severe enough to justify terminating the exclusive contract. They asserted that essential contractual obligations, such as arranging entertainment activities, negotiations, support, and settlements, were being fulfilled.  

Below is a summer of ADOR’s detailed responses to NewJeans’ demands  

1. Regarding the HYBE report suggesting to discard NewJeans and start anew   

ADOR distanced itself from the report, clarifying that it originated from HYBE. HYBE explained that the report did not imply abandoning NewJeans or involve specific instructions or decisions. ADOR stated they could not take disciplinary action against HYBE employees over this matter.  

2. Regarding the claim that ADOR did not take any action against the other label’s manager who told their artists to “ignore” Hanni   

ADOR clarified that the incident involved an employee of another company. They claimed they had taken appropriate steps to protect Hanni’s image while acknowledging limitations in addressing issues involving third parties.  

3. Regarding the inappropriate remarks made by a HYBE PR member 

ADOR expressed regret for the discomfort caused, stating they promptly addressed the issue with HYBE and had the employee removed from NewJeans-related duties. However, legal advice indicated that disciplinary action against the employee might constitute an unfair penalty.  

4. Regarding the claim that photos and videos from New Jeans’ time as a trainee were released without permission through the media and not deleted

ADOR explained that they were not responsible for publishing the content and had requested the media to cease its circulation. They were actively working to address the situation.  

5. Regarding the claim that HYBE was “undermining” New Jeans’ achievements

ADOR stated they confirmed with HYBE that there was no “undermining” of NewJeans’ album sales.  

6. Regarding the dispute with Dolphiners Films director Shin Woo-seok and the issue of existing works disappearing due to this

ADOR argued that only the content “ETA Director’s Cut” constituted an issue and that the content was independently removed to prevent potential copyright violations.  

7. Regarding the request to take all necessary measures to preserve the color of NewJeans and guarantee NewJeans’ activities

ADOR detailed its ongoing plans for fan meetings, album releases, and tours, lamenting that the group rejected further discussions.  

8. Regarding the request to reinstate former Director Min Hee-jin as CEO

ADOR firmly stated that decisions regarding the CEO position fall under the board’s jurisdiction. However, they stressed efforts to retain Min Hee-jin’s involvement in producing NewJeans’ content.