Written On: December 3, 2024
Last Updated: December 3, 2024
The Korea Management Association (HMAE) has publicly criticized NewJeans’ recent announcement to terminate their exclusive contract with Adore, a subsidiary of HYBE. The controversy has drawn attention to the broader implications for the entertainment industry in South Korea.
Conflict Between NewJeans and Adore
On December 3, HMAE issued a formal statement addressing the ongoing conflict. The group expressed concerns about the negative impact this dispute could have on Korea’s popular culture and arts sector. They emphasized that such disputes undermine trust and stability in the industry.
The issue began when NewJeans announced their decision to terminate their exclusive contract with Adore. During a press conference, the group accused the label of failing to fulfill its duties. They claimed Adore lacked both the intent and ability to protect their interests as artists.
In response, HMAE argued that such actions disregard established legal processes. They stated that simply encountering a problem within a contractual relationship does not justify its immediate termination. The association emphasized the importance of mutual efforts to maintain contracts and criticized NewJeans for allegedly bypassing these steps.
HMAE’s Concerns
HMAE highlighted the legal principle that contracts must be protected unless officially terminated through proper procedures. They described NewJeans’ approach as “absurd” and warned against unilateral contract terminations. According to the association, such actions could destabilize trust in exclusive agreements across the entertainment industry.
The organization also called NewJeans’ actions “malicious” and warned that their behavior could harm the foundation of the culture and arts industry. They urged caution, stressing the need to preserve the credibility of contractual agreements to maintain order and trust.
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Comparisons to Previous Cases
This is not the first time HMAE has spoken out against contractual disputes in the industry. The association previously criticized the actions of three former members of Fifty Fifty during their legal battle with Attract. At the time, the members had signed contracts with another agency despite their ongoing dispute.
HMAE described this behavior as unethical and damaging to the entertainment industry. They expressed concern that tolerating such actions could weaken the binding force of contracts and encourage profit-driven decisions that ignore legal agreements.
Broader Implications
The NewJeans-Adore dispute has reignited debates about the role of exclusive contracts in the entertainment industry. HMAE’s statements underline the need for clearer guidelines and stronger enforcement to protect both artists and agencies.
While the controversy is ongoing, the incident raises important questions about accountability and ethics in entertainment. For now, the focus remains on how both parties will navigate the situation and whether they can resolve their differences without further harm to their careers or the industry as a whole.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
