{"id":1204483,"date":"2025-02-12T23:55:48","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T23:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/pt\/?p=1204483"},"modified":"2025-02-12T23:55:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T23:55:48","slug":"a-comprehensive-timeline-of-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/pt\/a-comprehensive-timeline-of-events\/","title":{"rendered":"a comprehensive timeline of events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The ongoing feud between South Korean entertainment giant HYBE, <\/a>its subsidiary label ADOR<\/a> and K-pop girl group NewJeans<\/a>\u00a0has emerged as one of the most high profile feuds we\u2019ve witnessed in K-pop<\/a> in recent memory.<\/p>\n

ADOR, which houses popular K-pop girl group NewJeans<\/a>, is helmed by former SM Entertainment<\/a> creative director Min Hee-jin and was once poised to become one of HYBE\u2019s most lucrative labels. However, it is now at the centre of an alleged power struggle over the treatment and management of NewJeans and future creative projects under ADOR.<\/p>\n

Founded in November 2021, Min Hee-jin launched the label after two years as HYBE\u2019s Chief Brand Officer. What began as a battle over control over management and creative direction of ADOR and NewJeans has turned, over the course of the past year, into a heated tug-of-war between the entertainment giant and the band themselves over their artistic autonomy and worker\u2019s rights.<\/p>\n

The futures of NewJeans have become increasingly unclear amid the feud. Although many blanks have yet to be filled in the overarching battle, below is a full timeline of events that have occurred since all parties have taken their dispute to the public arena.<\/p>\n

April 22, 2024 \u2013 HYBE launches internal audit of ADOR<\/h2>\n

The first signs of a power struggle between HYBE and its subsidiary K-pop agency ADOR, home to NewJeans, first emerged on April 22, when South Korean media reported that the audit team of entertainment giant HYBE had launched an investigation into ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and an unnamed executive of the company<\/a>.<\/p>\n

HYBE later confirmed that it did launch an audit into ADOR executives over a suspicion that they were trying to take control of the K-pop agency, however no specific staff members were named in HYBE\u2019s confirmation. Following the news, the stock price of HYBE began to drop<\/a>.<\/p>\n

April 22, 2024 \u2013 ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin accuses HYBE of \u201cundermining\u201d NewJeans\u2019 success<\/h2>\n

Shortly after the news of HYBE\u2019s audit into ADOR broke, CEO Min Hee-jin issued a statement accusing HYBE of \u201cundermining\u201d NewJeans\u2019 success. She claimed HYBE had copied the \u201cmakeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos and event appearances\u201d of NewJeans for its latest girl group ILLIT<\/a>, who debuted under separate subsidiary Belift Lab<\/a> in late March.<\/p>\n

Min also claimed that she had filed an official complaint over what she described was a \u201ccopycat issue\u201d, claiming that both HYBE and Belift Lab \u201crefused to acknowledge any wrongdoing, merely coming up with a string of excuses and delaying concrete responses\u201d. In the same statement, she also refuted HYBE\u2019s allegations about her trying to take control of the company.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot understand how legitimate actions aimed at preserving the cultural achievements of affiliated artists like NewJeans are being twisted into conduct against ADOR\u2019s interests or attempts to usurp its management rights,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n

April 24, 2024 \u2013 HYBE CEO Park Ji-won claims to have discovered evidence of Min and other executives \u201ctrying to seize control\u201d of ADOR<\/h2>\n

Yonhap News Agency\u00a0<\/em>reported that Park had sent a company-wide email stating that evidence of ADOR executives\u2019 attempts at \u201cseizing control\u201d of the label has been found,<\/a> adding that he will \u201ctake appropriate actions after confirming more [of the truth] through this audit\u201d. In the same email, Park also claimed that the alleged takeover plans were \u201cset in motion long before ILLIT made their debut\u201d.<\/p>\n

April 24, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin and ADOR executives deny claims of a takeover<\/h2>\n

Min Hee-jin told a separate South Korean news outlet in an interview, per\u00a0CNA<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>that she has never \u201cmet with any investor to take over management rights of ADOR\u201d. She also alleged that it would be \u201cimpossible\u201d for her to do so \u201cwithout consent\u201d from HYBE, as she only owns 18 per cent of the company, with other company executives holding 2 per cent and HYBE owning 80 per cent of ADOR.\u00a0She also revealed that she was \u201csuddenly notified of my dismissal\u201d after raising concerns of similarities between ILLIT and NewJeans.<\/p>\n

An anonymous deputy CEO of ADOR also claimed in another interview with <\/a>Yonhap News Agency<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>that the alleged evidence HYBE uncovered were nothing more than \u201cpersonal reflections\u201d about the \u201clong-standing conflicts between HYBE and ADOR\u201d. They also claimed that the documents containing the alleged evidence \u201chave not been discussed with Min and other ADOR executives\u201d.<\/p>\n

April 25, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin holds press conference to deny claims made against her by HYBE<\/h2>\n

During the press conference, Min told Korean press that she \u201cwas not expecting\u201d the audit, instead claiming that she had initially made an \u201cinternal report [about the similarities between NewJeans and Belift Lab group ILLIT]\u201d in hopes of it being \u201caddressed formally by the company\u201d.<\/p>\n

Min also claimed that the conversations brought up by HYBE as evidence of her alleged plans to take over ADOR were \u201crid of the context of where they came from\u201d. Her legal counsel also told press that \u201cthere was no incident where Min tried to diminish the company value\u201d and that \u201cyou cannot \u2018plot\u2019 to breach the trust. This just doesn\u2019t count as that\u201d.<\/p>\n

During the conference, Min also shared how she believes the company \u201cused me to the fullest and now wants to take me down because I don\u2019t listen to them\u201d<\/a>. She also said that HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk \u201cwouldn\u2019t let me [establish ADOR and launch NewJeans] unless the company held a 100 per cent stake\u201d, but that she allegedly relented because \u201ca fight would\u2019ve taken months\u201d.<\/p>\n

Min also told press that members of the HYBE team had told her \u201cnot to promote NewJeans before LE SSERAFIM<\/a>\u2018s debut, because they wanted people to think that LE SSERAFIM was Min Hee-jin\u2019s girl group\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey never let me promote NewJeans as the first girl group from Min Hee-jin because they intentionally wanted to confuse people,\u201d the ADOR CEO claimed. \u201cThat was all Bang Si-hyuk\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0The Korea Herald<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>HYBE claimed that Min had \u201cmanipulated the truth\u201d during the conference and have asked for her to resign as CEO of ADOR.<\/p>\n

April 26, 2024 \u2013 HYBE refutes Min Hee-jin\u2019s press conference claims<\/h2>\n

A day after Min\u2019s two-hour press conference, HYBE issued a statement refuting her claims, alleging that \u201cso much [of what Min claimed during the press conference] is far from the truth to the point that it is difficult to go through them one by one\u201d.<\/a><\/p>\n

HYBE claimed that Min had \u201cdistorted the facts by mixing up the timeline\u201d, while claiming that they \u201ccan refute all claims with evidence\u201d. However, HYBE also stated that it has \u201cdecided not to mention them one by one as we judge that they are not worth responding to\u201d. HYBE also urged Min to \u201cresign promptly for the proper management of ADOR as she has already proven herself unfit to be in charge of management\u201d.<\/p>\n

May 2, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin had reportedly \u201cdemanded\u201d that HYBE give her the authority to \u201cterminate\u201d NewJeans\u2019 contracts<\/h2>\n

Yonhap News Agency\u00a0<\/em>cited unnamed industry insiders in a report that Min had allegedly \u201cdemanded\u201d the authority to \u201cterminate\u201d NewJeans\u2019 exclusive contracts with the company.<\/a> According to the outlet, Min allegedly made the request after negotiations between the executives of the K-pop agency and its owner HYBE over a revised shareholders agreement had hit a roadblock around the tail-end of 2023. However, HYBE rejected her request, calling it \u201ctoo much\u201d.<\/p>\n

Min has since confirmed that the \u201crequest\u201d was submitted in a proposal to HYBE, however claimed that it was to \u201caddress unreasonable interference [by HYBE], an issue that emerged during NewJeans\u2019 debut, and to ensure independent management of the label\u201d in a statement. She also denied that this request was related to allegations of a takeover levied against her by HYBE.<\/p>\n

May 7, 2024 \u2013 HYBE requests an shareholders\u2019 meeting to fire Min Hee-jin<\/h2>\n

\u201cHYBE has requested an extraordinary shareholders\u2019 meeting to fire Min Hee-jin, CEO and board member of ADOR, which is a violation of the shareholders\u2019 contract between Min and HYBE,\u201d Min\u2019s legal representative told press, per Korea JoongAng Daily<\/em>. HYBE owns 80 per cent of ADOR, while Min owns 18 per cent.<\/p>\n

May 9, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin files injunction to stop HYBE shareholder meeting<\/h2>\n

\u201cMin Hee-jin contends that HYBE\u2019s argument regarding breach of trust by Min makes no sense, which is why she resulted in filing for the injunction in order to protect the corporate value of ADOR and its artists,\u201d the representative added, per\u00a0Korea JoongAng Daily. <\/a><\/em>Meanwhile, Yongsan police told the outlet that \u00a0it will\u00a0\u201cconduct a speedy and thorough investigation\u201d on Min.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

May 13, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans\u2019 parents allegedly speak out in new letter, HYBE responds<\/h2>\n

The letter was published via South Korean news outlet\u00a0eDaily,\u00a0<\/em>allegedly written by the parents of NewJeans\u2019 members.<\/a> It was reportedly first sent to Min Hee-jin on March 31, who later shared it with HYBE on April 3, before the feud between ADOR and HYBE was made public and only a week after ILLIT had officially debuted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe express deep concern over the controversy that has risen with many similarities in concept [\u2026] between NewJeans and a group that debuted under another label of HYBE,\u201d the letter reads, as translated by\u00a0Soompi<\/em><\/a>. \u201cIt is deeply regrettable that another label under the same parent company could plan a team that is intentionally reminiscent of NewJeans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf these situations continue, this will undoubtedly damage NewJeans\u2019s reputation and brand value,\u201d NewJeans\u2019 parents alleged, while claiming that the members of the girl group are \u201cexperiencing severe mental distress in this process\u201d.<\/p>\n

In the letter, NewJeans\u2019 parents also claimed that HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk would \u201cignore the NewJeans members and their greetings whenever he ran into them at the company\u201d, alleging that \u201cthis happened on several occasions\u201d.<\/p>\n

Shortly after the letter was publicised, HYBE responded via a statement to a separate outlet claiming that the real authors of the letter are Min and an unnamed vice president from ADOR.<\/a> The music giant also denied several allegations in the letter, including claims of plagiarism and neglect.<\/p>\n

HYBE also claimed that Min \u201cdrag[ged] in artists and their families in her own battles for her personal greed\u201d by allegedly doctoring the letter, while claiming that it has evidence the email was \u201cpart of the plan for the takeover of management rights [of ADOR by Min]\u201d. \u201cWe plan to submit this evidence to investigative and judicial authorities,\u201d HYBE also said in response.<\/p>\n

May 23, 2024 \u2013 Belift Lab sues Min Hee-jin for defamation over plagiarism claims<\/h2>\n

Belift Lab, the HYBE subsidiary ILLIT is housed under, filed a defamation complaint against Min Hee-jin over her claims that ILLIT had plagiarised NewJeans.<\/a> \u201cWe filed a complaint against CEO Min for making false claims unilaterally against our company and artists and causing damage,\u201d Belift Lab said in a statement. \u201cWe make it clear that the plagiarism allegations raised by Min against our artist ILLIT are not true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have submitted evidence to the judicial authorities that can prove the accusations are unfounded, and although it may take some time, we will resolve this issue through proper legal procedures,\u201d the K-pop agency added.<\/p>\n

May 30, 2024 \u2013 Court grants Min Hee-jin injunction against HYBE<\/h2>\n

The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favour of Min Hee-jin following her filing of an injunction to stop HYBE from exercising their voting rights<\/a> and dismissing her from her current position as CEO of ADOR.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reasons for Min Hee-jin\u2019s dismissal or resignation claimed by HYBE have not been sufficiently substantiated,\u201d the court said of its decision. \u201cWhile Min Hee-jin\u2019s actions may be considered betrayal to HYBE, it is difficult to say that they constitute actions of breach of trust in regards to ADOR.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response to the court\u2019s decision, HYBE said it \u201crespects the court\u2019s decision\u201d and \u201cwill not exercise voting rights [\u2026] at the upcoming extraordinary meeting of shareholders\u201d. The company also shared that it has \u201cplans to proceed with subsequent steps within the boundaries set by the law\u201d.<\/p>\n

May 31, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin retains her role as ADOR CEO, two \u201cclose aides\u201d dismissed<\/h2>\n

The scheduled extraordinary shareholders\u2019 meeting held on May 31 determined that Min Hee-jin will keep her position as ADOR CEO, however two of her \u201cclose aides\u201d \u2013 only identified as Shin and Kim \u2013 were dismissed and replaced by three C-suite executive officials from HYBE.\u00a0Yonhap News Agency\u00a0<\/em>noted that this decision would provide HYBE more \u201ccontrol\u201d of the board.<\/p>\n

May 31, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin holds second press conference to address NewJeans\u2019 and ADOR\u2019s future<\/h2>\n

The second press conference held by Min Hee-jin took place the day of the shareholders\u2019 meeting, during which she addressed her current relationship with HYBE and the future of the subsidiary label and its artists.<\/p>\n

Min told press that plans for upcoming NewJeans activities have been \u201call thrown up in the air because of the ongoing month-long battle\u201d. Notably, prior to the feud,\u00a0the girl group had announced several new music releases, as well as a world tour for 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy foremost goal is to carry out the plans as I wanted with no problems. And now, since HYBE is now listening to my side, I hope that we can amicably settle,\u201d she added. \u201cIf I don\u2019t do this, and NewJeans has to take leave until our organisational matters settle, who does that benefit?\u201d<\/p>\n

Min also added that \u201cwhat will be done in the future remains to be seen\u201d at this current juncture. \u201cBut if HYBE wants to develop ADOR and its vision for NewJeans, then they would need to discuss that with me,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n

July 15, 2024 \u2013 Source Music files US$360,000 lawsuit against Min Hee-jin<\/h2>\n

Fellow HYBE subsidiary Source Music \u2013 home to LE SSERAFIM \u2013 filed a lawsuit against Min, seeking KRW500million (roughly US$360,000) in damages for defamation and interfering with business.<\/p>\n

In a statement to\u00a0Billboard<\/em><\/a>, Source Music stated: \u201cThe label\u2019s accusations primarily include three complaints: (A) Min claimed that she personally selected the members of NewJeans as trainees (B) Min claimed that the company unilaterally broke its promise to debut NewJeans as HYBE\u2019s first girl group and (C) Min claimed Source Music neglected the members of NewJeans.\u201d<\/p>\n

August 27, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin steps down as CEO of ADOR, which she claims was not her choice<\/h2>\n

ADOR announced during a board meeting that Min Hee-jin would step down from her role as CEO, simultaneously announcing that Kim Ju-young, director of the board, would assume the position of CEO following Min\u2019s departure. Despite her resignation from the role, ADOR wrote that she remains on the company\u2019s board of directors and would continue to produce for NewJeans.<\/p>\n

ADOR said that Min being in change of both the management of the label as well as the production of NewJeans was \u201cthe only exception among all the HYBE labels\u201d. It added that it promises to \u201cprovide the best support for the success of NewJeans with this change in structure\u201d, per\u00a0Korea JoongAng Daily<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two hours after ADOR\u2019s announcement, Min herself claimed in a new statement<\/a> that her move to step down was not made of her own volition. \u201cThe board made the decision regardless of the CEO\u2019s wishes,\u201d she said, calling the move \u201ca grave violation of the shareholders\u2019 contract\u201d.<\/p>\n

After Min\u2019s statement, ADOR addressed her claims in a second statement on the same day, saying that the board meeting was \u201cheld according to the law\u201d. \u201cThe date was chosen out of the list that Min Hee-jin gave. Min took part in the meeting online and the board made the optimal decision for the future of ADOR and NewJeans,\u201d it wrote.<\/p>\n

August 30, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin rejects \u201cunreasonable\u201d temporary contract to produce for NewJeans<\/h2>\n

Min published a statement announcing her rejection of HYBE\u2019s offer to continue producing for NewJeans, calling the terms of the contract \u201cunreasonable\u201d and \u201ca trick\u201d designed to force her rejection of it.<\/p>\n

According to Min, the contract would have her retained to produce for the girl group from August 27 to November 1, which she claimed was \u201cunrealistic\u201d given HYBE\u2019s purported \u201cexpect[ations of] the successful completion of crucial production tasks, such as preparing for NewJeans\u2019 world tour in 2025\u201d.<\/p>\n

She also claimed that it included clauses that would allow the company to immediately terminate the agreement if \u201cher work performance was deemed insufficient or if the company\u2019s business circumstances changed\u201d.<\/p>\n

In response ADOR released a statement on the same day, claiming that the new two-month contract was meant to cover the remainder of her contract, which expires on November 1.<\/p>\n

September 2, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans express frustration over ADOR-HYBE feud on social media<\/h2>\n

NewJeans members Danielle, Minji and Hanni uploaded several posts to fan community app Phoning to express their frustration over the ongoing managerial changes within ADOR.<\/p>\n

Danielle wrote that she had \u201ca lot of concerns\u201d since Min Hee-jin was dismissed as CEO of ADOR. \u201cIt\u2019s been difficult in many ways [\u2026] For a while, I was in a state of mental breakdown and very anxious,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Minji said that she wanted to \u201ccomfort\u201d them despite her frustration that \u201cnothing has been solved\u201d about the situation. \u201cI was so frustrated with myself for not being able to solve anything. I am so sorry that we\u2019re going through this unnecessary trouble when there\u2019s already not enough time in the day to focus on the good things,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n

Hanni, despite not speaking directly about the situation, did touch on Min Hee-jin\u2019s dismissal. \u201cI was originally just practising writing songs and lyrics with my guitar, but Bunnies\u2026 our members\u2026 our CEO [Min Hee-jin]\u2026 I am also struggling at this time, but I wanted to comfort everyone and get rid of all my heartache.\u201d<\/p>\n

September 4, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans voice support for Min Hee-jin at awards ceremony<\/h2>\n

During their appearance at The Fact Music Awards in Osaka, NewJeans gave a shout-out to Min Hee-jin during their award acceptance speech. \u201cWe truly love and thank [former] CEO Min Hee-jin who always cherishes and protects us,\u201d member Danielle said.<\/p>\n

Hyein also added that she \u201cwant[ed] to say it one more time because it might be the last chance\u201d, telling the audience that the group are \u201creally, really grateful to our CEO\u201d. \u201cWe love you so much,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n

September 11, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans host livestream to call for Min Hee-jin\u2019s reinstatement as CEO, calls HYBE an \u201cinhumane company\u201d<\/h2>\n

All five members of NewJeans held a surprise livestream on a now-deleted YouTube channel, where they spoke on the ongoing ADOR-HYBE feud and called for HYBE to reinstate Min Hee-jin back to her original position as ADOR\u2019s CEO. According to Hyein, the livestream was held without the company\u2019s knowledge but organised with the help of \u201cdirectors that we trusted on things we couldn\u2019t prepare ourselves\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope that HYBE makes the wise choice to reinstate Min Hee-jin as the CEO of ADOR by September 25,\u201d said Minji. \u201cThe ADOR that we want is an ADOR where the music production and company management are done by Min Hee-jin as the CEO. We make this request as the way to cohabitate peacefully with HYBE.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl group also claimed that HYBE have been \u201cbullying\u201d Min, saying that they \u201cfeel so bad\u201d for the music executive. \u201cHYBE just seems like an inhumane company. What are we supposed to learn from such a company?\u201d said Danielle. The band also opened up about unpleasant experiences with other staff within HYBE since Min\u2019s dismissal.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

September 13, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin files injunction for shareholder\u2019s meeting to reappoint her as internal ADOR director<\/h2>\n

Min and her representatives shared a statement announcing that they had filed for a court injunction for an \u201cextraordinary general meeting of shareholders to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director of ADOR with the Seoul Central District Court\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to the statement, under the shareholders\u2019 agreement, Min was guaranteed a five-year term as ADOR\u2019s CEO and an internal director of the ADOR board of directors. Despite the court\u2019s recognition of this, Min claimed she was \u201cunilaterally dismissed\u201d by HYBE regardless.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a direct violation of the still-valid shareholders\u2019 agreement and the court\u2019s injunction decision to guarantee the CEO\u2019s term,\u201d the statement read. Min\u2019s representation alleged that HYBE continues to claim that her agreement has been terminated \u201cwithout any basis although there are less than two months left on [Min\u2019s] term as an internal director\u201d.<\/p>\n

HYBE responded to Min\u2019s statement on the same day, claiming again that the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min has officially been terminated. \u201cA lawsuit has been filed to confirm the termination of the shareholder agreement, and we are awaiting the court\u2019s decision,\u201d it wrote.<\/p>\n

October 29, 2024 \u2013 Injunction dismissed by Seoul court
<\/strong>On October 29, the Seoul Central District Court announced their dismissal of her injunction, saying Min\u2019s claims \u201cdo not meet the requirements to constitute the legal grounds for a court judgement\u201d.<\/p>\n

September 25, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin reinstated as an internal director, request to return as CEO rejected<\/h2>\n

Min\u2019s request to be re-appointed as the label\u2019s CEO was rejected by ADOR<\/a>. However, the company had offered her a position as an internal director, giving her a seat on the company\u2019s board. Under the conditions of the offer, Min would be able to produce for NewJeans for the next five years, which ADOR pointed out was \u201cthe whole duration of the girl group\u2019s contract\u201d.<\/p>\n

October 17, 2024 \u2013 Min\u2019s term extended for three more years
<\/strong>ADOR announced on October 17 that the music executive\u2019s term as a board member was extended for an additional three years through a board meeting. Her stint as an internal director with ADOR was initially due to expire on November 1.<\/p>\n

October 15, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans\u2019 Hanni shares testimonies of harassment faced at HYBE at National Assembly<\/h2>\n

The Vietnamese-Australian singer was invited to the National Assembly to speak before the South Korean Labour Committee on workplace harassment she\u2019s faced at HYBE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hanni claimed that, when she greeted the members of another band at the offices of their record label, a manager told them to \u201cignore her like you didn\u2019t see her,\u201d and that her concerns had been disregarded when she brought them up.<\/p>\n

Other allegations she made were that employees had been bad-mouthing NewJeans on the communications app Blind, and that HYBE\u2019s PR department had asked a journalist to downplay the group\u2019s achievement \u2013 these had reinforced her feelings that \u201cthe company hated us\u201d.<\/p>\n

November 28, 2024 \u2013 ADOR demands public apology from Belift Lab
<\/strong>Although neither a specific group nor company were mentioned in Hanni\u2019s claims, ADOR issued a statement demanding a public apology<\/a> from fellow HYBE subsidiary Belift Lab (home to ENHYPEN and ILLIT) to Hanni for the incident. Belift Lab previously denied these allegations.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelift Lab\u2019s claims differ completely from Hanni\u2019s account,\u201d it continued, although conceding that it was \u201cunfair\u201d and \u201cunnecessarily harsh\u201d to expect the singer to recount the incident in detail. \u201cWe fully trust our artist\u2019s words and deeply regret the harm Hanni has experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n

November 14, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans allegedly threaten to leave ADOR if \u201cgrave contract breaches\u201d were not rectified<\/h2>\n

The Korea Times\u00a0<\/em>first reported the issuance of NewJeans\u2019 legal notice to ADOR<\/a>, which allegedly includes the five-piece\u2019s demands to \u201crectify all grave breaches of the exclusive contracts within 14 days of receipt\u201d. NewJeans wrote in the letter that they \u201cplan to revoke our exclusive contracts\u201d with ADOR if these unspecified breaches remain unaddressed by the company.<\/p>\n

November 20, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin resigns from internal director position<\/h2>\n

\u201cToday, I am resigning from my position as an internal director at ADOR,\u201d the K-pop agency\u2019s former CEO wrote in her statement<\/a>.\u00a0\u201c<\/em>Additionally, I am terminating the shareholder agreement with HYBE and intend to hold HYBE legally accountable for breaches of this agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Min wrote that she had \u201cdone everything in my power to uphold the shareholder agreement and restore ADOR\u201d, however, she eventually concluded that further efforts to work with HYBE \u201cwould be a waste of time\u201d. Following her resignation, Min said she intends to pursue \u201cnecessary legal action\u201d against the \u201cnumerous illegal activities committed by HYBE and its affiliates\u201d.<\/p>\n

November 20, 2024 \u2013 NewJean\u2019s claims of workplace harassment dismissed by South Korean Labour Ministry<\/h2>\n

The South Korean Labour Ministry announced the dismissal of a case by NewJeans fans, filed on behalf of the group about the workplace harassment<\/a> faced at HYBE, based on claims made by Hanni at her National Assembly testimony in October.<\/p>\n

The Ministry claimed that \u201cthe content and nature of the management contract signed by Hanni\u201d was what made her \u2013 and K-pop idols, by extension \u2013 ineligible to be legally classified as \u201cemployees\u201d under current labour laws in the country.<\/p>\n

The South Korean government instead classify entertainers as \u201cexceptional entities\u201d instead of employees in an employer-employee relationship, as they operate under exclusive, commission-based contracts with management labels.<\/p>\n

November 27, 2024 \u2013 \u2018NewJeans Hanni act\u2019 introduced at National Assembly to prevent workplace bullying<\/strong>
South Korean politician Jeong Hye-kyung, member of the Progressive Party, proposed a new bill to amend current labour laws to extend legal protection and preventative measures against workplace harassment<\/a> to exceptional entities.<\/p>\n

Temporarily named the \u2018NewJeans Hanni act\u2019, Jeong said that everyone is entitled to protection \u201cregardless of income, employment relationship, or contractual relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new bill establishes new and special provisions for both labour providers and entertainers through mandatory regulations for employers. It also introduces penalties for individuals who fail to adhere to the regulations. The amendment has not yet been passed as of writing.<\/p>\n

November 26, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin files criminal complaints against two HYBE PR executives<\/h2>\n

Min filed criminal complaints against two executives<\/a> \u2013 named in the complaint are HYBE\u2019s Chief Communications Officer Park Tae-hee and a PR director only identified as Cho.<\/p>\n

Min\u2019s representatives claimed that they \u201cnot only failed to fulfil their obligations but caused significant damage to NewJeans and ADOR by downplaying the group\u2019s achievements\u201d. They added that they hope \u201cappropriate criminal penalties\u201d will be imposed.<\/p>\n

November 28, 2024 \u2013 NewJeans terminate contracts with ADOR in emergency press conference<\/h2>\n

NewJeans held an emergency press conference on November 28, where they announced the termination of their exclusive contracts with the label<\/a>.<\/p>\n

They claimed that their legal notice to ADOR had been ignored for the full grace period of 14 days, and ADOR\u2019s alleged breaches of contract obligations had not been resolved by then.<\/p>\n

\u201c[ADOR is] a company that no longer has any sincerity in the art of music that is created, is rather fixated on appearing like a well-working company despite only having thoughts about making money, and does not have any conscience about the negative effect they create through their non-authentic means,\u201d Hanni told press, per\u00a0Music Business Worldwide.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Danielle also said that, while the group may not be able to keep the trademark rights to the NewJeans name and brand, it \u201cdoesn\u2019t mean that we are giving up on the name at all\u201d. She stated: \u201cWe will continue to fight for NewJeans. Regardless of our name, just remember that NewJeans never dies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regarding penalties for contract termination, Haerin claimed that it \u201cmakes no sense\u201d for NewJeans to be liable to pay a contract breach fee. \u201cWe never broke any rules,\u201d Haerin said. \u201cWe did nothing but try our best \u2013 they are the ones at fault. HYBE and ADOR are the ones responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

After the press conference, NewJeans publicised a document from ADOR addressing their legal notice, allegedly sent to them an hour after the conference was called.<\/p>\n

November 28, 2024 \u2013 ADOR refutes NewJeans\u2019 press conference statements, claims contract \u201cremains in full effect\u201d<\/h2>\n

Shortly after NewJeans\u2019 press conference, ADOR published a statement refuting the statements made by the band<\/a>. It claimed the conference was \u201cplanned and conducted without sufficient review, prior to receiving a response to the legal notice\u201d.<\/p>\n

It also maintained that ADOR \u201chas not violated the terms of the agreement\u201d and that a \u201cunilateral claim of a breach of trust does not constitute valid grounds for terminating the contract\u201d.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the label requested that NewJeans continue cooperating with them moving forward, writing that the \u201cexclusive agreement between ADOR and the NewJeans members remains in full effect\u201d.<\/p>\n

December 2, 2024 \u2013 Min Hee-jin denies involvement in NewJeans\u2019 contract termination<\/h2>\n

Min sued former HYBE CEO Park Ji-won and PR chief Park Tae-hee<\/a> for violating South Korean communications laws, while also filing a lawsuit against two Dispatch\u00a0<\/em>reporters for defamation. The announcement came shortly after\u00a0Dispatch\u00a0<\/em>published an article accusing Min of being a \u201chidden hand\u201d behind NewJeans\u2019 public pushback against HYBE.<\/p>\n

\u201cKim and Park, even today, wrote an article that is far from the truth. They wrote the article based on a one-sided story without verifying the facts,\u201d Min\u2019s lawyers wrote in the press statement. \u201cWe hope the police report will uncover their serious lies and that they are held liable.\u201d<\/p>\n

December 4, 2024 \u2013\u00a0 ADOR files lawsuit to verify NewJeans\u2019 contract validity<\/h2>\n

ADOR filed the lawsuit on December 4 with the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of its contracts with NewJeans<\/a>, telling press in a statement that it felt it was \u201cnecessary\u201d in order to \u201censure its continued legal enforcement\u201d.<\/p>\n

ADOR claimed that NewJeans\u2019 actions \u201cwould seriously hinder the continued development of K-pop\u201d. The company also shared that it has \u201cyet to have the opportunity for direct communication with the artist,\u201d although they have reassured that they remain \u201ccommitted\u201d to collaborating with NewJeans.<\/p>\n

December 6, 2024 \u2013\u00a0 NewJeans reiterate their right to terminate contracts, claim ADOR \u201cseverely harassed\u201d NewJeans team post-departure<\/h2>\n

NewJeans published a response to ADOR\u2019s lawsuit on December 6<\/a>, where they reiterated their right to terminate their contracts with the company. They pointed out that \u201cADOR failed to properly assert that there were no breaches of the exclusive contracts\u201d in their lawsuit announcement, and that they have done their due diligence to \u201creturn profits exceeding the investment to ADOR and HYBE\u201d.<\/p>\n

Despite this, NewJeans accused HYBE of \u201cattempt[ing] various forms of interference, including defamation and reverse viral marketing, to devalue us\u201d, adding that the label \u201callowed this to happen under new management\u201d.<\/p>\n

The band also accused ADOR of \u201csecretly following us, defaming us, and spreading false information through media outlets\u201d, on top of \u201cseverely harass[ing]\u201d and investigating staff who assisted NewJeans in their activities post ADOR departure.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u201cWe hope that through the legal process, the reasons for our decision to terminate our exclusive contracts and ADOR\u2019s contract violations will be fully revealed,\u201d the statement concluded.<\/p>\n

December 15, 2024 \u2013\u00a0 NewJeans members launch independent Instagram account, ADOR urges against it<\/h2>\n

On December 15, the five members of NewJeans \u2013 Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein \u2013 launched a new Instagram account @jeanzforfree as a means to communicate with and update fans post-departure from ADOR.<\/p>\n

ADOR later released a statement on December 18 urging the band to return to their official social media channels, citing concerns from advertisers. \u00a0\u201cAside from the official SNS accounts of NewJeans opened by ADOR, all accounts were opened without prior consultation under the exclusive contract,\u201d the label wrote.<\/p>\n

ADOR noted \u201cinquiries and complaints from third parties\u201d, saying that NewJeans\u2019 separation of activities through other channels could open the band and ADOR up to legal issues involving advertisers. NewJeans have yet to respond to ADOR\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

January 13, 2025 \u2013\u00a0 ADOR files injunction to prevent NewJeans from signing brand deals<\/h2>\n

ADOR filed an injunction on January 13 to stop the NewJeans members from signing brand advertisement deals as independent artists. \u201cThis decision was made to prevent confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers,\u201d it said in a statement. The company also claims that by doing so, NewJeans \u201ccould undermine investment in the entertainment industry and destabilise the K-pop sector\u201d.<\/p>\n

January 23, 2025 \u2013\u00a0 NewJeans address ADOR\u2019s legal actions, rally fans to come up with new group name<\/h2>\n

On January 23, the five-piece posted a statement to their independent Instagram page addressing the legal actions ADOR has taken against them. They shared that they have appointed legal representatives to fight their case, denounced both ADOR and HYBE and reiterate previous claims regarding the companies\u2019 \u201c[failure] to fulfil their responsibilities as an agency to protect their artists and support their growth\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will state this firmly: the five of us have no intention of ever returning to HYBE or ADOR, where even the minimum level of trust cannot be expected,\u201d NewJeans wrote. After the statement was posted, the band made another post requesting new group name ideas from fans to temporarily operate under.<\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

February 7, 2025 \u2013\u00a0 NewJeans rebrand under new name, NJZ<\/h2>\n

The members of NewJeans unveiled their new group name through an announcement naming them as headliners for ComplexCon Hong Kong in March, where they will also debut a new song. Their appearance at the festival will mark their first performance as NJZ.<\/p>\n

In an interview with\u00a0celebrity.land\u00a0<\/em>published that same day, Hanni explained that the rebrand comes as a means of \u201cturning this rough period of time into something more exciting\u201d and that the K-pop group are \u201cworking a lot to resolve everything so that we can go\u2026 back to normal\u201d.<\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

Despite a new name, Hanni also emphasised that they will not be letting go of the NewJeans brand: \u201cEven though we have to leave our previous name behind us for a bit, we\u2019re not fully moving on from it. And we don\u2019t want to either, because (being NewJeans) was still a very special period of time to us, and it\u2019s something that our fans also probably hold really dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Member Danielle also shared that they have \u201ccompletely lost all trust at the moment\u201d in ADOR and HYBE, and believes they \u201cwill win this battle\u201d. Hanni added that NJZ believe \u201cthere\u2019s nothing holding us back anymore\u201d.<\/p>\n

February 7, 2025 \u2013\u00a0 ADOR responds to NewJeans\u2019 name rebrand, calling it \u201cdeeply regrettable\u201d<\/h2>\n

ADOR issued a statement on February 7 addressing NewJeans\u2019 rebrand as NJZ, saying, \u201cIt is deeply regrettable that the members made this unilateral decision before any legal ruling has been made regarding the validity of their exclusive contracts with ADOR.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cADOR will continue to do our best to protect the brand value of NewJeans,\u201d the label added. ADOR also said that\u00a0it is \u201calways open to meeting with NewJeans members or their legal representatives to resolve any misunderstandings and discuss the group\u2019s future activities\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nme.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n