Overview

• NewJeans, one of K-pop's most successful groups, announced their departure from ADOR, citing mistreatment and manipulation by the agency.
• The group alleges workplace harassment, deliberate miscommunication, and a lack of protection from ADOR, stating they can no longer work under such conditions.
• ADOR claims the termination is invalid, asserting that the contract remains in effect and expressing willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue.
• The announcement follows a months-long feud between HYBE, ADOR's parent company, and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, whom NewJeans has expressed a desire to continue working with.
• HYBE's market value dropped by $423 million after the announcement, with analysts predicting a protracted legal battle over the contract and the group's name.