Shin Woo-Seok the director of multiple hit NEWJEANS music videos, has demanded an official apology from ADOR, the group’s management company.
This escalating conflict revolves around the ownership rights to a YouTube channel and a creative partnership that has turned sour.
Both parties have released public statements, shedding light on their respective positions. Here’s a breakdown of the dispute and what it means for NEWJEANS and their fans.
The Initial Spark: Shin Woo-Seok’s Demand for Apology
On September 9th, Shin Woo-Seok, CEO of Dolphin Kidnapping, accused ADOR of unfair treatment via social media.
Shin’s grievances focused on the company’s request to take down content from the Ban Hee-Soo YouTube channel. The channel features fan-centric content created by Dolphin Kidnapping Group.
Shin revealed that ADOR had reached out with demands to remove content without providing proper justification. ADOR also accused the agency of spreading false information. His statement outlined how ADOR’s actions breached their agreement, particularly concerning the ownership and operation of the Ban Hee-soo channel.
“I have recordings and emails,” Shin stated, “Stop lying.” He expressed his dismay over the situation and said that Dolphin Kidnapping Group doesn’t hold any monetary interest in the channel, but values its role as a fan-centric space.
An Ultimatum to ADOR
Shin offered a solution … He agreed to transfer ownership of the Ban Hee-Soo channel to ADOR but with strict conditions. He emphasized that the content must be preserved as is, with no edits or deletions. However, his most notable demand was for ADOR to issue a public apology.
“Apologize. If you post an apology that includes an apology for the extreme corrective action demand that did not respect our partners, an apology for ignoring the existing agreement and talking about copyright infringement, and an apology for criticizing Dolphin Kidnapping Group and CEO Shin Woo-seok through a statement of position through your official channel by today, Dolphin Kidnapping Group will transfer Ban Hee-soo’s channel to Ador.”
He also said, “If there is no apology, I will find a way to transfer Ban Hee-soo’s channel to the fans and sue Ador for defamation with evidence of the existing agreement.”
ADOR’s Response: A Breach of Contract or Overreaction?
In response, ADOR released a statement on their social media platform on the same day, pushing back against Shin’s accusations. The agency claimed that Shin had overreacted to what they described as a simple breach of contract issue.
According to ADOR … The agreement made it clear that all rights, including those for derivative works like music videos, belonged to ADOR.
ADOR’s explanation centred on the protection of NEWJEANS’ intellectual property (IP). They claimed that posting videos featuring the group’s IP without approval was a violation of their contract.
However, contrary to Shin’s claims, they did not ask for a complete removal of content from the Ban Hee-soo channel. Instead, they requested proof of permission to use the content, such as an email or agreement.
ADOR further elaborated that their only concern was with the “Director’s Cut” of the “ETA” music video, which included elements related to an advertiser’s brand.
They clarified that no other videos, including those on the Ban Hee-Soo channel, were under scrutiny.
Who’s in the Right?
At the heart of the conflict is the interpretation of their original contract. Shin insists that the rights to the Ban Hee-Soo channel … Which served as an extension of Dolphin Kidnapping Group’s creative work for NEWJEANS, belong to them.
ADOR maintains that all works associated with NEWJEANS … Including any videos or content featuring the group’s IP, are under their ownership.
Shin’s claim that ADOR’s recent management change led to sudden, extreme demands has also raised questions about how much creative freedom ADOR is allowing third-party collaborators.
Fan Reaction and Future Implications
NEWJEANS’ fanbase, the Bunnies, has been vocal on social media, showing mixed reactions to the ongoing dispute. Many fans are concerned that this disagreement could negatively affect future NEWJEANS content, as Shin Woo-Seok was a significant contributor to the group’s unique visual style.
Some fans side with Shin, appreciating his dedication to preserving fan-related content, while others agree with ADOR’s focus on protecting the group’s IP.
For now, the Bunnies fanbase is left anxiously waiting for the next chapter in this ongoing saga.