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“NewJeans will never die.”
While receiving an award at the inaugural KGMA, the K-pop girl group known for their hit singles “Super Shy” and “Ditto,” revealed their uncertainty as a group amid legal proceedings with their label.
“Honestly, we don’t know how long we’ll be NewJeans anymore,” member Hanni said in the acceptance speech. “But the bond between the five of us and Bunnies is unbreakable. So, let’s stick together until the very end.”
Danielle added, “Even if we’re not NewJeans anymore, NewJeans will never die.”
Their emotional words, which left several K-pop stars in tears and has since gone viral on social media, comes amid ongoing legal battles between HYBE and its sub-label ADOR, which manages NewJeans. The dispute centers on former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who stepped down earlier this year after being accused of corporate misconduct.
@pouchwonkithese idols understand the situation more than us fans… #newjeans #minji #hanni #danielle #haerin #hyein #fyp
♬ ETA – NewJeans
What’s Going on with NewJeans?
The controversy began in April 2024 when HYBE accused Min Hee-jin of corporate espionage, alleging she orchestrated a plan to take control of ADOR and NewJeans with outside investors.
“The evidence included detailed discussions that Min has ordered the ADOR management to find ways to pressure HYBE into ultimately selling ADOR’s shares,” HYBE stated at the time.
Min vehemently denied the claims, accusing HYBE of retaliation after she criticized them for allowing another group under their umbrella, ILLIT, to copy NewJeans’ distinctive concept. Despite her defense, Min was removed as ADOR’s CEO in August 2024.
Following Min’s departure, NewJeans took the unusual step of addressing the situation directly in a YouTube video, which was later deleted. The members voiced their concerns about HYBE’s treatment and expressed unwavering support for Min. The group also demanded that Min be reinstated by September 25. However, HYBE rejected their demand, offering instead to keep Min as both an internal director at ADOR and NewJeans’ producer.
In October 2024, Hanni appeared before South Korea’s National Assembly Labour Committee, where she made shocking claims about HYBE’s treatment of NewJeans.
“I came to the realization that this wasn’t just a feeling. I was honestly convinced that the company hated us,” Hanni testified, even recounting how a manager from another HYBE group deliberately ignored her.
Is NewJeans Going to Disband?
It’s unclear whether NewJeans will disband, however, Korean media have speculated that NewJeans might consider legal action to terminate their contract with HYBE or face significant financial penalties if they attempt to break free.
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