Final mediation between K-pop girl group NewJeans and agency Ador collapses in 20 minutes
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K-pop girl group NewJeans attending the Korea Grand Music Awards in Incheon, South Korea, in November 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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The second and final mediation attempt between K-pop girl group NewJeans and their agency Ador fell apart in just 20 minutes on Sept 11.
A Seoul court will issue its ruling on Oct 30, finally deciding whether the quintet must continue under Ador or whether the band have grounds to end their exclusive contract.
None of the five members turned up at the Sept 11 session at Seoul Central District Court, a possible sign they do not wish to reconcile with Ador. The first session on Aug 14 was attended by Danielle and Minji.
The public shunning continues the feud that has left one of K-pop’s biggest acts paralysed, according to South Korean newspaper The Korea Herald.
Since May 2024, NewJeans have not released any music because of a court injunction that bars them from working without Ador’s approval, with unauthorised performances carrying hefty financial penalties
In August 2024, entertainment giant Hybe, Ador’s parent company, removed Ms Min Hee-jin, the creative director responsible for NewJeans’ success, following accusations that she had tried to seize control of Ador.
NewJeans fought the removal and demanded that Hybe reinstate Ms Min during a live stream that has gone viral.
In November 2024, the group announced that they would be leaving Ador,
In its defence, Ador said it has invested heavily in the group, claiming that this is another example of trainees turning against managers once they become successful. In March, the courts upheld Ador’s ban on the group releasing music or performing without permission.
The dispute has left NewJeans’ global fandom disappointed. The 2023 EP Get Up topped the Billboard 200 album chart through hits like Ditto and Super Shy.
