The battle between Okay-Pop superstars NewJeans and HYBE-owned file label ADOR escalated on Friday (February 7) with NewJeans’ announcement that they’ve rebranded as NJZ.
The information follows the group’s appointment final month of legislation agency Shin & Kim LLC to symbolize them of their ongoing authorized battle with ADOR.
NewJeans members — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein — had beforehand declared their intention to terminate their contracts with ADOR in November, following a fallout between HYBE and former ADOR CEO and NewJeans producer Min Hee-jin.
In December, ADOR filed a lawsuit in its dwelling market of South Korea, asking the court docket to verify the validity of its unique contract with the group.
ADOR additionally filed an injunction final month to forestall NewJeans from taking part in promo or promoting alternatives with out the label’s approval.
The general public listening to for the preliminary injunction case is scheduled for March 7.
A HYBE spokesperson issued a press release to MBW in response to the information of NewJeans’ rebrand, insisting that, with authorized proceedings nonetheless ongoing, the Okay-Pop stars are nonetheless legally signed to ADOR.
“Whereas the authorized proceedings regarding the unique contract between ADOR and the NewJeans members are ongoing, we deeply remorse that the members have unilaterally made this selection [to announce a new stage name],” reads the assertion from HYBE’s ADOR.
“We deeply remorse that the members have unilaterally made this selection.”
HYBE spokesperson
The spokesperson added: “ADOR stays dedicated to defending the worth of the NewJeans model.
“We’re prepared to satisfy with NewJeans members or their authorized representatives at any time to make clear any misunderstandings and collaboratively plan for the group’s future actions.”
In a press release issued final month to announce the appointment of their authorized illustration, NewJeans alleged that, “HYBE and ADOR [had] failed to meet their duties as an company to guard and nurture their artists.”
NewJeans additionally claimed that ADOR and HYBE failed to meet fundamental administration duties and tried to sideline the group beneath the guise of an “prolonged trip.” In addition they accused the businesses of orchestrating a damaging media marketing campaign towards them.
“Even after the authorized termination of our unique contract, groundless criticism poured in via the media and YouTube response channels, most of which contained info that would solely have come from ADOR and HYBE. We can not assist however conclude that ADOR and HYBE are on the heart of all these points,” NewJeans stated.
“On condition that ADOR and HYBE have appointed Kim & Chang Legislation Agency as their consultant, we felt the necessity for a legislation agency that would successfully counter this. We imagine Shin & Kim LLC is probably the most appropriate selection, as they already perceive HYBE and ADOR’s wrongdoings and points, which is essential for responding to the quickly continuing injunction,” the group stated in a assertion issued to native media.
The dispute between ADOR and NewJeans arrived as half of a bigger inside battle involving former ADOR CEO and artistic director Min Hee-jin.
HYBE beforehand accused Min, who based NewJeans, of trying to promote firm shares and leaking confidential info.
HYBE, which owns 80% of ADOR, eliminated Min as CEO of the label in August 2024. When it eliminated Min, HYBE restructured ADOR, separating manufacturing and administration features, and providing Min the function of head producer. Min rejected the supply.
NewJeans members have since publicly alleged mistreatment by ADOR workers. Throughout a September YouTube livestream, they claimed to have overheard directions to ignore them.
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