Adore "Regret over NewJeans press conference, exclusive contract still valid... hoping to meet with open hearts"

'Exclusive Contract Termination' NewJeans Press Conference and ADOR's Position
"Unilateral Claims Are Not Grounds for Termination"
"Repeated Meeting Requests Were Unsuccessful"
"Hoping to Open Hearts and Have Honest Conversations"

Group NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR at midnight on the 29th, while ADOR expressed regret and requested a reasonable dialogue.

The group NewJeans is attending a press conference regarding the termination of their exclusive contract held on the afternoon of the 28th at SpaceShare Samsung Station Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. From left to right: Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hani, Hyein. Photo by Yonhap News.

On the 28th, ADOR stated in an official position, "We regret that a press conference to announce the termination of the exclusive contract was planned and held without sufficient review before receiving a response to the certified letter."

Furthermore, regarding NewJeans' claim of contract termination due to loss of trust, ADOR clarified, "As the party to the exclusive contract, ADOR has not violated the contract, and unilateral claims of broken trust do not constitute grounds for termination," while emphasizing, "We hope that future schedules will continue to be carried out together with ADOR as before," reaffirming the ongoing contractual relationship.

In addition, ADOR said, "We have repeatedly requested meetings with the artists, but they have not materialized," and urged for a swift resolution by stating, "We hope they will open their hearts and meet to have an honest conversation even now."

Earlier at the press conference, NewJeans stated that they would freely pursue activities following the termination of the exclusive contract. NewJeans said, "Once the exclusive contract is terminated, the five of us will no longer be artists under ADOR," and added, "We will break free from ADOR and truly engage in the activities we want freely." They also assured that scheduled events and advertisements would proceed without disruption.

The group NewJeans is attending a press conference regarding the termination of their exclusive contract held on the afternoon of the 28th at SpaceShare Samsung Station Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. From left to right: Haerin, Danielle, Minji, Hani, Hyein. Photo by Yonhap News.

NewJeans expressed their intention not to pursue legal procedures such as injunctions to suspend the effectiveness of the exclusive contract. They responded, "Since the current ADOR and HYBE have violated the contract, it is they who are breaching the exclusive contract," and added, "Once the contract is terminated, the exclusive contract has no effect. There is no obstacle to our activities, so there is no need to file injunctions or lawsuits."

Regarding the recent media reports about penalty fees amounting to hundreds of billions of won, NewJeans pointed out, "It is not NewJeans but the current ADOR and HYBE who have violated the exclusive contract," emphasizing, "There is absolutely no reason for us to pay any penalty fees."

NewJeans also reiterated their desire to work with former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin in their future endeavors. They stated, "We have not discussed the certified letter or the press conference with former CEO Min Hee-jin," but emphasized, "Although we have not had separate talks, we believe former CEO Min Hee-jin shares our views."

ADOR’s official stance included the statement, "The deadline for the correction request ends at midnight on the 29th. There is no intention to improve. We are tired of this insincere attitude and feel once again that there is no sincerity toward us," and attention is focused on whether the situation will lead to a new compromise following NewJeans’ 'preemptive declaration' and subsequent legal review.