NewJeans Speak Out on Court Ruling in K-pop Label Dispute
Seoul and Singapore – In their first interview since a South Korean court ruling hindered their attempt to sever ties with their record label, K-pop sensation NewJeans revealed to the BBC the emotional toll of their ongoing legal battle. This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry, highlighting the intense pressures and control within the business.
“Necessary Fight”
“Speaking out required immense bravery,” stated NewJeans, addressing the media for the first time since the recent legal setback.
Haerin, a member of the five-member group, emphasized, “This fight is essential. Although it will undoubtedly be incredibly challenging and demanding, we are committed to continuing to voice our experiences, as we have done thus far.”
She further added, “We felt it was vital to inform the global community about our ordeal. We believe that every decision we have made up to this point has been the most prudent choice possible.”
Sudden Rebellion
NewJeans initially appeared unstoppable on music charts when they initiated what seemed like an unprecedented act of defiance within the typically rigid and controlled environment of K-pop. Members Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji surprised both South Korea and their international fanbase when they announced their decision in November to part ways with Ador, the very label that launched their careers.
The group cited grievances including mistreatment, workplace harassment, and alleged attempts to “sabotage their careers,” claims vehemently denied by Ador. In response, Ador initiated legal action to enforce their existing seven-year contract, slated to end in 2029, and sought a court injunction to restrict the group’s independent commercial activities.
Court Order and Challenge
Last Friday, a South Korean court sided with Ador, granting the injunction and ordering NewJeans to cease all “independent” operations, including new song releases and endorsement deals, while the overarching case remained unresolved. NewJeans has since launched a legal challenge against this injunction.
The group described Friday’s judicial decision as a “shocking” development in their dispute.
Hyein explained, “Some might assume that our fame grants us unlimited freedom of action and expression. However, the reality is quite different. We have endured this silently for a considerable time, and only now are we finally articulating our thoughts, feelings, and the injustices we believe we have faced.”
Industry Pressure and Public Spat
The K-pop industry has consistently faced scrutiny regarding the immense pressure placed on its artists, not only to achieve success and perform flawlessly but also to maintain a perpetually flawless public image. However, public conflicts that reveal artists’ complaints and disagreements with their agencies are relatively rare.
NewJeans‘ dramatic public announcement last year followed an extended and highly publicized conflict with Ador and its parent company, Hybe, South Korea’s largest music conglomerate, which manages prominent K-pop acts like BTS and Seventeen.
Ador stated to the BBC that NewJeans’ contract remained valid, asserting that “most of their accusations stem from misunderstandings.” The court’s ruling indicated that NewJeans had not “sufficiently proven” contractual breaches by Ador, noting that the label had fulfilled “most of its obligations, including financial compensation.”
News of Ruling and Initial Reaction
The members of NewJeans were in rehearsal for a performance in Hong Kong when news of the unfavorable court ruling emerged. Minji recounted receiving a concerned message from her mother, asking, “Are you okay?” which initially left her confused.
“I was completely taken aback,” Minji stated, describing her initial reaction. Danielle added that upon hearing the news, “At first, I wasn’t sure I had heard correctly. We were all in a state of disbelief.”
Prior Interview and Future Uncertainty
This recent interview marked their second with the BBC within two weeks. In their initial conversation, conducted before the court ruling, the group expressed enthusiasm about releasing their new single, “Pit Stop”—their first release since announcing their departure from Ador and adopting the moniker NJZ.
They discussed their methods of coping during a demanding period, mentioning finding solace in cooking. Minji had shared, “I’m not very skilled at it, but it provides a form of comfort,” before promising to prepare a “fantastic dinner” for her bandmates.
Emotional Toll and Hiatus
However, in their second interview, conducted just a day after the court order, their demeanor appeared more somber and unsettled, reflecting increased uncertainty about their future prospects. Hanni’s voice trailed off as she became tearful, stating, “If we had known we would face this, perhaps we would have chosen…”
Moments later, she continued, “Even if we exert our best efforts and the outcome isn’t what we hope for, we’ll have to entrust it to time. I believe time will ultimately resolve things for us.”
The subsequent night, NewJeans performed in Hong Kong, presenting “Pit Stop” under their new name, despite the existing court order. Yet, the event, intended to signify a fresh beginning for fans, concluded with tears as they announced an impending hiatus.
“It was not an easy decision to arrive at,” Hyein conveyed on stage as each member addressed their fanbase. “But at this juncture, our priority is self-preservation, to ensure we can return stronger in the future.”
Uncertain Future and Determination
Merely three years after their debut, the trajectory for these young stars, aged between 16 and 20, hangs in the balance.
Nevertheless, they assured the BBC that this setback does not signify the conclusion for NewJeans, as they intend to “explore alternative paths” forward. With the legal proceedings anticipated to extend for months, if not years, Minji highlighted that this period provides them with time to strategically plan their next steps.
Rise to Fame and Industry Disruption
Since their debut in July 2022, NewJeans have consistently achieved remarkable commercial success with each release, including hits like “OMG,” “Ditto,” “Super Shy,” and “Attention.” Within a year, they ascended to become the eighth best-selling musical act globally.
Critics lauded them as “game-changers,” recognizing how their distinctive fusion of 1990s R&B influences and saccharine pop melodies distinguished them within a K-pop landscape largely dominated by electronic rhythms. Their relaxed, breezy dance choreography also differentiated them from the intensely synchronized norms of K-pop visuals.
Conflict with Min Hee-jin and Hybe
At the peak of their ascent, a public dispute erupted between Min Hee-jin—Ador’s former CEO and their long-time mentor who was instrumental in their formation—and Hybe. Hybe had established Ador, granting Min a minority equity stake and further stock options, before subsequently removing her from her leadership role last August.
Hybe accused Min of orchestrating a takeover of Ador, while Min, in an emotional press conference, accused Hybe of undermining NewJeans by debuting another girl group with a seemingly similar style. This conflict escalated, and Min ultimately departed from the company, claiming she was forced out.
Demanding Min’s Return
In response, NewJeans broke their silence and publicly demanded Min’s reinstatement within two weeks during a livestream.
Danielle recounted in their first BBC interview that communication with Min was initially disrupted: “We were unaware of the unfolding events and lacked any means to support her. This in itself was deeply upsetting as she had consistently been there for us and served as a role model.”
Accusations and Labor Dispute
While Ador indicated Min could not return as CEO, they proposed she remain as an internal director and NewJeans’ producer. When Min did not return, NewJeans officially announced their departure from Ador, citing unmet demands including an apology for alleged bullying and action regarding internal reports they deemed controversial.
Ador, while denying all allegations, appears to attribute the discord to Min’s actions. “The core issue originates from the former management providing distorted information to the artists, leading to misunderstandings. These issues can be fully resolved once the members rejoin the label,” Ador communicated in a statement to the BBC.
Workplace Harassment Inquiry
In subsequent months, Hanni testified with emotional distress before South Korean lawmakers during an inquiry into workplace harassment. “I realized that this wasn’t just a feeling. I genuinely believed that the company harbored animosity towards us,” she conveyed, detailing instances where the group felt undermined and subjected to bullying.
NewJeans’ initial case regarding workplace conditions was dismissed as the labor ministry determined that K-pop artists do not qualify as traditional workers and therefore do not receive the same legal protections.
Supporting Protests and Public Criticism
In December, NewJeans again took an uncommon step, expressing support for fans advocating for the impeachment of South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, who had briefly implemented martial law. The group provided complimentary refreshments to fans participating in mass protest rallies.
Each instance of heightened public attention also brought criticism, frequently centered around the group’s young age. Some commentators suggested they had “crossed a line,” while others labeled them “foolish and irresponsible,” or even “ungrateful” for challenging Ador. Questions also arose regarding the extent of their autonomy in decision-making.
However, NewJeans push back against age-based dismissiveness. “Discounting our efforts simply due to our youth is an easy way to diminish the significance of our actions,” Hanni asserted. “Every decision we have made in the past year has been the result of extensive and thorough discussions among all of us.”
Intense Scrutiny and Future Legal Battles
As the contract dispute has prolonged, public criticism has intensified, with some observers now characterizing the group as disruptive rather than groundbreaking. Following the recent court ruling, which was welcomed by critics, NewJeans acknowledge being “acutely aware of the heightened scrutiny and judgment” they have faced since their public address last year.
“There hasn’t been a single instance where we’ve vocalized our perspectives without apprehension or stress,” Minji conveyed. “We have deliberated more than anyone about the considerable implications of each of our actions, and we are currently shouldering that burden.”
Uncertain Hiatus Length and Future Plans
The duration of their hiatus remains unclear. Ador has communicated its desire to meet with the group soon to discuss future arrangements, but NewJeans maintain they do not currently feel sufficiently protected to return to the label.
Their lawsuit with Ador will return to prominence next week as hearings resume – and so will the five members of NewJeans.
United Front
The consistent element throughout this challenging period has been their unwavering commitment to navigating these difficulties collectively.
Two weeks prior, Hanni affirmed, “We’ve consistently emphasized to each other that if even one member is unwilling to proceed, then we will not proceed. Unanimous agreement among all five of us is essential for any action we undertake. This principle has guided us thus far and will continue to guide us to the end.”
On Saturday, she reiterated with resolute conviction: “We are going to overcome this.”