NEWJEANS Faces Uncertain Future After ADOR Ignore Demands

The internal tensions between K-pop group NEWJEANS and their agency ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, have escalated following the agency’s decision to reject the group’s request to reinstate Min Hee-Jin as CEO.

Despite NEWJEANS’ plea for Min to return to her previous role, ADOR announced that Min would only remain involved as both the group’s producer and an internal director—but would not resume her CEO responsibilities.

The girl group, however, stands firm in their belief that Min’s dual role in both management and production is crucial for their continued success. They argue that her influence as CEO is vital in maintaining the group’s creative direction and harmony with HYBE.

NEWJEANS’ Legal Options

After ADOR refuses to meet their demands, NEWJEANS faces limited options moving forward. The group could remain with HYBE, now under the leadership of new Ador CEO Kim Ju-Young or they could explore legal grounds for a contract dispute.

Alternatively, they may choose to terminate their contract early, though this would require paying a substantial penalty—estimated to be between 300 billion won and 500 billion won (approx. $225.8 million to $375 million).

Legal experts suggest that NEWJEANS might struggle to prove a contract breach on ADOR’s part, as Min Hee-Jin’s dismissal as CEO doesn’t violate any contractual terms.

In court, NEWJEANS would likely base their case on the failure of trust between the group and the agency. However, with no clear violations of key obligations, such as payment settlements, legal action might be a difficult route for the group.

HYBE Allegedly Downplays NEWJEANS’ Success

Further complicating matters, recent allegations have emerged suggesting that HYBE may have attempted to downplay NEWJEANS’ achievements.

During a September 25 interview on CBS Radio’s Kim Hyun-Jung’s News Show, journalist Jang Hyung-Woo claimed that HYBE requested edits to a news article covering NEWJEANS’ successful performance at Tokyo Dome, to minimize their accomplishments.

Jang shared a recorded conversation in which HYBE’s head of PR allegedly insisted that NEWJEANS’ impressive sales figures were not solely from Japan, and therefore should not be presented as such.

This incident has raised questions about HYBE’s support for NEWJEANS, with Jang expressing confusion over why the parent company seemed reluctant to promote its own subsidiary’s success.

HYBE has since responded, denying any efforts to undermine NEWJEANS and emphasizing its commitment to promoting the group’s work under ADOR.

Minji’s Cryptic Message Fuels Speculation

On September 25, Minji shared a message to her fans, saying she had “a lot to think about” and that she wished for them to stay healthy. While her words could be interpreted innocuously, the timing has sparked speculation among fans.

With the group’s September 25 deadline ignored, Minji’s post is seen as a possible signal of impending changes for the group, particularly regarding their relationship with Min Hee-Jin and the ongoing dispute with ADOR.

What’s Next for NEWJEANS?

Whether the group decide to remain under HYBE’s leadership or take legal action to end their contract, one thing is clear: The future of the group hangs in the balance.

For now, NEWJEANS continues to stand by their belief that Min Hee-Jin’s return as CEO is key to their long-term success.

Only time will tell whether HYBE and ADOR will take their requests into serious consideration—or if NEWJEANS will be forced to chart a new path forward without their original leader.

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