The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) has raised concerns about NewJeans following their announcement of contract termination with ADOR, cautioning that the group could face removal from the Circle Chart if they fail to return to their agency.
NewJeans’ Departure Sparks Industry Debate
On November 28, 2024, NewJeans held an emergency press conference to announce their departure from ADOR, citing the company’s unwillingness to reform, failure to address their concerns, and alleged inability to protect the members. This decision has drawn criticism from major K-pop organizations, including the Korea Management Federation (KMF), the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association (KEPA), and now the KMCA.
KMCA’s Statement on “Tampering” and Industry Impact
In a statement released on December 13, 2024, the KMCA expressed concerns about the growing issue of “tampering,” where external parties influence artists and their families to terminate contracts with their original agencies. The KMCA referenced similar cases, such as FIFTY FIFTY, and cited recent allegations involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, warning that such actions destabilize the industry and harm both small and large companies.
The KMCA’s statement read:
“NewJeans must also bear in mind that they are not the only artists in the popular music industry.”
They urged NewJeans to uphold their contractual obligations and resolve disputes through dialogue or legal avenues. The KMCA emphasized the group’s role as K-pop representatives, calling for them to set a positive example.
Potential Consequences for NewJeans
To address tampering, the KMCA proposed stricter measures, including removing artists implicated in such disputes from the Circle Chart and excluding their music data from rankings and award eligibility. The association also called for government intervention to reform inadequate laws governing artist contracts.
Background on the Termination Dispute
- On November 13, 2024, NewJeans sent a legal notice to ADOR, demanding the company address significant breaches of their exclusive contracts within 14 days.
- The group cited ADOR’s failure to act within the allotted time as the reason for their termination, which they announced during the November 28 press conference.
- While ADOR claimed that NewJeans did not wait for a response, the group countered that the agency’s inaction justified their decision.
NewJeans clarified that their termination was due to ADOR’s breach of duty and reaffirmed their commitment to fulfilling existing obligations with third parties. However, the KMCA’s warnings highlight the potential ramifications of their decision for the group’s future in the industry.
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CREDITS:
NewJeans, KMCA
