Thirty-two well-known public figures including politicians, professors, and media executives are weighing in on the NewJeans-ADOR conflict. They signed a petition protesting the ban on NewJeans’ ability to have independent activities despite being under an exclusive contract with ADOR (HYBE subsidiary).
The petition argues that South Korea’s entertainment industry is outdated. It states that artists don’t have the same protections as those in the United States.
While it may seem noble that they’re standing up for the rights of young artists, they’re ignoring the main source of NewJeans conflict with ADOR.
The Root of the Conflict
NewJeans’ conflict with ADOR began when their former CEO and creative director, Min Hee-jin, was removed by HYBE in 2024. The conglomerate accused MHJ of attempting to seize control of ADOR. She later founded her own agency and began a legal battle with HYBE over stock options, non-compete clauses, and her dismissal.
Since her departure, NewJeans has remained loyal to her. The group and their families have pushed ADOR to reinstate Min as CEO. It’s a demand that crosses every professional boundary that exists. When that didn’t happen, they tried to terminate their contracts, accusing ADOR of breaching its duty of trust.
Meanwhile, ADOR has tried to move forward under new leadership. The label appointed Lee Do-kyong as CEO, began restructuring, and focused on developing new projects. Yet every attempt at progress has been overshadowed by NewJeans’ insistence on working only with Min Hee-jin, even as she continues her feud with HYBE.
The Petition Misses the Point
The petitioners frame the issue as a question of fairness. Why should the court bar five young women from pursuing their careers?
The petition comes a week before the court’s final verdict on the validity of NewJeans contract on October 30 9:50 a.m. KST. The timing makes it hard to see it as anything other than public pressure. It paints NewJeans as victims of an unjust system while ignoring that their situation stems from a personal allegiance, not injustice.
The group and their families are trying to dictate who ADOR can hire to run their company. They’re not happy that Min Hee-Jin is gone and they keep demanding for ADOR to reinstate her. What they’re doing is the equivalent of a toddler throwing a temper tantrum.
An Unhealthy Attachment
NewJeans’ loyalty to Min Hee-jin may seem touching, but it’s not normal. Min wasn’t just their CEO. She was in charge of their public image, their concept. She built NewJeans in her own artistic vision. Now that bond has blurred the line between how an executive should treat the artists under their label.
That’s why this fight feels more like a custody battle. Min Hee-jin has positioned herself as an irreplaceable figure in their careers. The girls seem unable (or unwilling) to move forward without her. It’s an attachment that doesn’t serve them as artists. Certainly not as young women navigating one of the most cutthroat industries in the world.
A Much Needed Reality Check
If NewJeans isn’t happy with their contract they should either use this opportunity to renegotiate or wait until it expires. What they can’t do is hold ADOR hostage because they want their former CEO back.
I feel like Min Hee-Jin took advantage of these girls. I believe she’s using them as weapons to get revenge in her feud with HYBE. I’m hoping that the court’s verdict on October 30 will be a wake-up call for NewJeans. Maybe being under ADOR’s new management will help the girls break free from MHJ’s spell. That they can make amends with everyone who’s been negatively affected by their behavior.
Artists deserve fair contracts and respect. They shouldn’t be allowed to rewrite the rules of corporate management in the name of loyalty.
