NewJeans vs HYBE: Inside the Legal Battle That Shook the K-pop Industry
After months of lawsuits, accusations, and “slave contract” controversies, NewJeans have returned under HYBE. This is the full story behind their dispute with ADOR and its significance for K-pop's future.
The K-pop Industry's Artificiality Critique
K-pop, and more broadly the South Korean entertainment industry, is often criticized as overly artificial: music sounds similar, idols resemble dolls, and authenticity is lacking.
NewJeans’ Surprise Debut and Impact
In summer 2022, a major generational shift occurred with the debut of NewJeans, a five-member group (Hanni Pham, Danielle Marsh, Minji Kim, Haerin Kang, and Hyein Lee) under HYBE, Asia’s biggest music conglomerate. Their rise quickly matched the influence of legendary groups like BTS and Blackpink.
- Brand ambassadors for Chanel, Gucci, and Dior
- Headliners at Lollapalooza
- Muses for artist Takashi Murakami
They seemed poised to become the next global pop sensation.
The Contract Dispute and Controversy
Everything changed in November 2024. During a press conference, the five members announced their intention to terminate their contract with ADOR, HYBE’s subsidiary, citing mismanagement and internal abuse.
“It was an unprecedented move in K-pop, considering the long history of so-called ‘slave contracts’ that bind idols for periods ranging from seven to nine years.”
This announcement sparked wide discussion about artist rights and management practices within the industry.
Summary
NewJeans’ legal battle with HYBE highlights growing tensions around artist treatment and contract fairness in the evolving K-pop landscape.
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