NewJeans Navigates K-Pop Turmoil: A Stand for Artists’ Rights

Amidst a turbulent legal battle with their label Ador, NewJeans bravely discusses their experiences of mistreatment and the necessity of speaking out for artists' rights. Despite a South Korean court ruling that restricts their activities, the group's resilience is evident as they vow to fight for their future.

"It took a huge amount of courage to speak out," NewJeans has expressed in their first interview since a South Korean court ruled against their attempt to sever ties with Ador, their record label. The ruling has sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry and ignited a crucial conversation about artists' rights. "This fight is necessary. Although it will be extremely difficult, we will continue speaking up," stated Haerin, one of the five members of the group.

NewJeans made headlines last November when they announced their decision to separate from Ador, citing allegations of mistreatment and workplace harassment, which the label has denied. Ador has since filed a lawsuit to enforce their existing seven-year contract, which does not expire until 2029, effectively blocking the group's independent activities, including new music releases.

Describing the court’s decision as a "shock," the members of NewJeans conveyed the harsh realities artists often face. "Some people think we're famous enough to speak our minds freely, but that’s not the case," lamented Hyein. The pressures of the K-pop industry frequently imperil artists’ well-being, yet public exposés of such conflicts remain rare.

NewJeans' announcement came against the backdrop of a public dispute with the corporation’s parent company, Hybe. Ador claimed misunderstandings fueled the group’s grievances, while the court maintained that NewJeans failed to establish that Ador violated their contractual obligations. The group recounted their stunned reactions upon hearing the ruling while preparing for a performance in Hong Kong, with Minji recalling the moment she received a worried message from her mother.

The K-pop quintet, originally formed in 2022, quickly garnered acclaim and amassed significant commercial success through hits like "OMG" and "Ditto," with critics touting them as a transformative force in the genre. Yet internal conflicts began to surface when previous management tensions resulted in public disputes that affected their trajectory.

In an emotional testimony to South Korean lawmakers, Hanni articulated her distress, revealing her belief that the label “hated” the group, while their labour rights as K-pop stars remained unprotected. Amidst the mounting challenges, NewJeans has shown solidarity with their fans, even participating in protests against the South Korean government.

Despite experiencing backlash and skepticism from audiences regarding their motives and youth, the members reaffirmed that their decisions reflect deep conversations. "We've put a lot of thought into the responsibility our actions carry,” Minji remarked, emphasizing their commitment to one another and the collective nature of their decisions.

As NewJeans enters a hiatus pending the ongoing legal battle, the future remains uncertain. Yet, their determination to support each other throughout this tumultuous journey underscores an awakening in the K-pop landscape, where artists are increasingly advocating for their rights and well-being. As expressed by Hanni: “We’re going to get through this together.”