The legal dispute between Newjaans and its seal continues. This week, Newjaans has declared that it has no “intention” to return to work with Ador, the record label that launched its career in 2022 and to which the South Korean quintet accuses of abuse and violation of its contractual obligations. In addition, Newjaans has reported that he is looking for a new name and has urged his followers – the “bunnies” – to create one.
Newjaans accuses adorning of “neglected her obligation to protect them” for abuse towards them and their team, and for having dismissed the former executive director of the label, Min Hee-Jin, who is also the creator and artistic director of Newjaans.
It is one of the greatest legal disputes of the history of the K-Pop, a real hell of accusations and counteraches that does not seem to have an end. On one side are Newjaans and its creator, Min Hee-Jin. In the other, adorn, his record, and Hybe, his parent company, which hosts six record labels in total.
It is known that the K-POP industry operates through multi-discographical systems, and Min Hee-Jin has been a key figure in the creation of other famous groups born within this industry, such as Girls’ Generation YF (X). Hybe, previously known as Big Hit Entertainment, is the company behind BTS and, in addition to being a record, also performs functions such as Talent Agency and Event Management, among others.
The origin of the dispute between Newjaans and ador is in a first disagreement between Min Hee-Jin and Hybe. In April 2024, Min Hee-Jin accused Hybe of “belittling” the success of Newjaans to allegedly plagiarize the concept of Newjaans for the creation of a group of posterior girls, Illit, signed on another Hybe seal, Belift Lab. His side, Ador pointed to Min Hee-Jin for allegedly trying to take control of adorn and therefore from his only group represented, Newjaans. Min-Jee Hin denied the accusation indicating that it was impossible for her to take control of ador because she only had 20% of her actions. In May, Belift Lab sued Min Hee-Jin for defamation, denying the accusations of plagiarism expressed by the businesswoman.
In a statement, Min Hee-Jin expressed his surprise to the accusation of ador, arguing that he did not understand why his attempts to protect Newjaans’ artistic achievements were interpreted by ador as a threat of usurpation.
The legal battle of Newjaans and ador lasts for months. In fact, the group – formed by Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein – not publishes new music since June 2024: then the ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Right Now’ singles were published with their respective instrumental versions.
In August 2024, Hybe dismissed Min Hee-Jin as Executive Director of Ador. Min was appointed internal director of the seal in September, but resigned from her position in November of that year accusing Hybe of breach of contract. In protest, Newjaans – always on the MIN – offered a press conference in which he threatened to adorn the seal if Min was not reinstated in his position. The group died 14 days to “rectify their serious contract breaches.” Given the lack of response, on November 29, Newjaans communicated through an emergency press conference the termination of his contract with adorn and the completion of his labor obligations with the seal. In response, Ador declared that Newjaans could not end his contract unilaterally and that his labor link with the seal was still standing.
Newjaans’ legal battle is related to its management and artistic control, but above all it is part of a defense of their labor rights. In particular, a Newjans member, Hanni, has accused Hybe of workplace harassment. And, in a collective, Newjaans has accused Hybe and ador of “ill -treatment not only towards us but also towards our team” and “countless obstacles and contradictions, poor communication deliberately and manipulation in various areas.” In addition, he has pointed out the “obsession” of adorn with “earning money” at all costs, to the detriment of his mental health, and has criticized his contempt for art and lack of labor ethics.
Since December, Newjaans communicates with his fans through an independent Instagram account, «Jeanzforfree«. Through this account, Newjaans shares news about its legal situation. In one of his latest publications, the group urges his fans to propose a new temporary name for the band while his legal mess continues. They hope to continue working hand in hand with Min Hee-Jin and throw new music in 2025.
One of the consequences of the legal dispute between Newjaans and Ador is the absence of new music by the band. This is bad news for pop, since Newjaans is one of the best exports of the K-Pop, if not the best. Few bands have exhibited their taste for productions inspired by pop of 90 and 2000, and their songs, such as ‘Super Sy’, ‘OMG’ or ‘Attention’, in addition to having been huge commercial successes, they have received praise from The specialized media.
