The K-pop world was rocked recently when NewJeans, one of the industry’s most popular girl groups, announced their decision to leave their agency ADOR. The shocking news has left fans stunned and raised questions about the future of both the group and the agency.
Why NewJeans Left ADOR
On November 28, 2024, the members of NewJeans—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—revealed in a press conference that they would be terminating their contracts with ADOR. The group cited “poor management” and mistreatment as the main reasons for their decision. Danielle, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized their desire to work more freely and continue collaborating with Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s former CEO, who played a key role in shaping NewJeans’ image and success.
The Min Hee-jin Controversy
Min Hee-jin, once the driving force behind NewJeans’ creative direction, was removed from her position at ADOR in 2023 amidst allegations of misconduct and breaches of trust. While she denied these claims, she also accused HYBE of prioritizing other groups at NewJeans’ expense. Her departure created tension between the members of NewJeans and HYBE’s leadership, ultimately contributing to the group’s decision to part ways with the agency.
The Financial Fallout
When NewJeans announced they were leaving ADOR, it sent shockwaves through HYBE’s finances. The company’s shares took a steep hit, dropping nearly 7%, which wiped out about $420 million in market value. This massive drop shows just how important NewJeans is to HYBE’s success and why investors are now worried about what’s next for both the group and the agency.
What’s Next for NewJeans?
The members of NewJeans have made it clear that they’re committed to continuing their music careers, but their future is still uncertain. A big question is whether they’ll be able to keep using the name “NewJeans,” as it’s likely owned by ADOR. If not, they might need to rebrand, which comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Despite these obstacles, the group is determined to stay close to their fans—affectionately known as “Bunnies”—and keep pushing forward with their creative vision.
