As strange as it was, it happened — members of NewJeans ended their exclusive contracts with their agency ADOR. The jury is still out over whether the action is legitimate, but the more pressing issue is what ADOR and HYBE are going to do about it.

NewJeans also revealed that they want to continue working with Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO and the group’s creative director. Min was removed from her position at the label after HYBE accused her of attempting to gain control of ADOR from its parent company by selling company shares and leaking confidential information.

The sudden exit of K-pop group NewJeans from ADOR has caused HYBE's market value to drop by over $423 million, according to CNBC.

In response, ADOR maintained that its agreement with NewJeans “remains in full effect.” The label urged the group to continue collaborating on upcoming projects. “We respectfully request that the group continue its collaboration with ADOR,” the statement read, according to Reuters.

All five members of NewJeans are exiting their agency, ADOR. Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein revealed their steadfast resolution to leave the company during an emergency press conference held in Seoul on November 28, 2024. The press conference began at around 8:30 p.m. KST.

Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein – have officially announced the termination of their contracts with ADOR. This bold decision comes after the group’s emergency press conference on November 28,

NewJeans announced leaving ADOR due to internal issues. Former CEO Min Hee-Jin subtly supported them by sharing a track on Instagram story.