The conflict between NewJeans and their agency ADOR continues to stir debate among Korean netizens, with opinions sharply divided.
ADOR has argued in court that if the group maintains its exclusive contract, the members can continue their activities at the highest level, free from penalties, damage claims, and the stigma of being seen as “celebrities who break promises.” The agency warned that terminating the contract would cause “fatal damage” to the members, including the loss of HYBE and ADOR’s full support, legal disputes over compensation, and even risks to ADOR’s survival as a company.
ADOR stated, "If the exclusive contract is terminated, it will cause fatal damage to the members. They will lose the full support of ADOR and HYBE, as well as their idol image. Legal disputes over penalties and compensation will follow. It will also be difficult to maintain employment for ADOR’s staff. The court itself viewed that if the exclusive contract were terminated, ADOR’s very existence would be in jeopardy."
However, some netizens argue that responsibility for employee job security lies with HYBE as the parent company, not with NewJeans. They also question HYBE’s past practices, citing allegations that employees were pressured into signing non-compete agreements and non-litigation clauses that legal experts say may infringe on workers’ rights and violate Korean labor laws.
In a recent article, concerns have emerged that HYBE, often hailed as a leading workplace, has effectively placed "shackles" on employees through these non-compete confidentiality agreements.
The article stated, "employees who leave HYBE are barred from working not only in rival entertainment companies but also in similar fields for a full year. The signing of these agreements was overseen by Kim Joo Young, HYBE’s Chief Human Resources Officer and the current CEO of ADOR."
The media outlet also highlighted opinions of experts and cited, "experts point out that non-compete agreements with ordinary employees—especially when no special benefits are offered—are virtually unenforceable and may infringe on workers’ freedom to choose their profession." It added, "Non-compete agreements are typically seen in highly technical industries, such as semiconductors, to prevent the leakage of sensitive information. Yet, many in the entertainment industry view HYBE’s application of such clauses as an excessive restriction."
Following the publication of the latest article on HYBE's unfair employment conditions, more netizens are criticizing HYBE for using manipulative tactics. They claimed that HYBE is responsible for providing proper working conditions and providing employment, but are shifting the blame onto NewJeans.
These netizens are also pointing out that there were claims of HYBE executives privately downplaying NewJeans' importance in the past, but are now publicly portraying the group as essential to the future of K-pop in recent trials.
However, Korean netizens remain divided over the NewJeans-ADOR feud.
The comments over this issue include:
"I hope HYBE goes under for real."
"Why is HYBE now saying NewJeans is essential for K-pop?"
"NewJeans fighting."
"I don't like them both."
"There's no denying that HYBE is a very bad company, but it also doesn't change the fact that NewJeans are breaking the contract with no solid reason."
"HYBE and NewJeans both need to be accountable for what they did."
"Bang Si Hyuk's corruption is a different matter from NewJeans' backstabbing. lol."
"Bang Si Hyuk can go to jail and NewJeans can return to ADOR."
"I don't like HYBE, I don't like Min Hee Jin. I hope this all gets settled soon."
"NewJeans can just pay the fine if they really want to leave ADOR."
"Well, I agree. HYBE is publicly making it seem like they think NewJeans is important, but when they were downplaying their success before."
"ADOR would need to close if NewJeans leaves, since they're the only artist in that company. lol."
"Well, ADOR's existence does depend on NewJeans' existence."
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