Tensions are escalating in the K-pop industry as NewJeans, one of South Korea’s most promising girl groups, finds itself at the center of a high-stakes power struggle between its label ADOR and parent company HYBE.
The conflict, which recently intensified after a court blocked ADOR’s independence bid, threatens to disrupt the meteoric rise of a group that debuted just two years ago.
NewJeans burst onto the scene on July 22, 2022, with their single “Attention,” quickly establishing themselves as formidable newcomers in the competitive K-pop landscape.
NewJeans made an explosive industry entrance in 2022, immediately positioning themselves as serious contenders in K-pop’s crowded arena.
Their success has been widely attributed to the creative vision of Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s CEO and former visual director at SM Entertainment, who crafted the group’s distinctive retro-inspired aesthetic and sound.
The dispute centers on creative autonomy, management rights, and the considerable financial stakes involved.
ADOR, while operating as an independent subsidiary under HYBE since November 2021, has sought greater control over NewJeans’ direction and profits.
However, HYBE, one of South Korea’s entertainment powerhouses, has maintained its ultimate corporate authority over the sub-label.
Financial considerations loom large in this standoff, as NewJeans has achieved remarkable commercial milestones.
Their single “Ditto” became the longest-running number-one song on South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart, while lucrative brand endorsements and merchandise sales have notably boosted their market value.
While the group has found mainstream success, industry experts suggest they could further diversify their earnings through sync deals for placement in films, TV shows, and video games.
Music industry analysts recommend the group could maximize their reach through streaming platforms to enhance their global exposure and royalty earnings.
Industry observers note that such corporate conflicts, though not uncommon in K-pop, rarely become public at this scale.
The court’s recent intervention underscores the considerable business interests at stake for both parties.
For NewJeans members and their fans, the power struggle creates uncertainty about future activities, including scheduled music releases and promotional events. All five members – Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein – trained for approximately two and a half years before their official debut, building skills that contributed to their rapid success. The legal battle has intensified with a court ruling that ultimately validated their contract until 2029, preventing the members from pursuing independent activities.
The outcome could potentially alter the group’s creative trajectory if HYBE assumes more direct control over their management.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the dispute highlights the inherent tensions in K-pop’s business model, where artistic vision often collides with corporate interests, leaving artists and their carefully cultivated identities caught in the crossfire.
