NewJeans Leaves Hybe after Accusations of Mistreatment and Breach of Contract

South Korea's largest K-pop agency Hybe suffered a significant financial blow after chart-topping group NewJeans announced their departure, citing mistreatment, unfair practices, and a breach of contract. The group made the shocking announcement at a press conference, revealing the tense circumstances behind their decision.

NewJeans, formed in 2022, claimed to have faced workplace harassment and mistreatment during their time under ADOR, a Hybe sub-label. The group, comprised of five members, accused the agency of improper practices, including a lack of support and unfair treatment, which led to the breach of contract. They stated that continuing to work under ADOR would only cause harm to themselves. The agency's decision comes just two weeks after the group first made public their demands, including the reinstatement of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. The move has sparked concerns about the wellbeing of the group and the overall state of the K-pop industry, with Hybe's shares plummeting 6.97% following the announcement.

In response, ADOR has disputed NewJeans' contract termination, claiming the group has no grounds to end their contracts and has not broken any terms. The agency argues that the group had not received a proper review or agreement before announcing their exit and that the claim of trust being broken was not a valid reason for termination. ADOR expressed its hope for open and honest discussions with the group and pledged to continue supporting their activities.

The fallout from NewJeans' decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the entire K-pop industry, with observers closely watching the situation for any signs of change. The group's bold move will undoubtedly shed light on the working conditions and agency practices in the industry, and fans are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the dispute. One thing is certain – the future of NewJeans remains uncertain, and the court of public opinion will be a key player in shaping the outcome.