Newly exposed NewJeans contract details have sparked fresh outrage over HYBE’s alleged control over the group’s identities, artistic freedom and future, even beyond their contracts’ expiration.
The K-pop industry has a reputation for producing global superstars, chart-topping hits and picture-perfect performances. But the behind the scenes reveal a grim reality that has often come under scrutiny for how it treats its artists. The latest controversy surrounding NewJeans has brought those concerns back into the spotlight, with newly revealed contract details raising serious questions about artists’ rights, personal freedom and corporate control.
According to a recent New York Times investigation, contracts signed by NewJeans members with ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, reportedly contain several unusual clauses that could allow the company to retain control over parts of their identities even after their contracts expire in 2029.
A Contract That Could Follow Them Beyond 2029
NewJeans, comprising Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein, made their debut in 2022 and quickly became one of K-pop’s biggest breakout acts. With hits like “Hype Boy,” “OMG” and “Super Shy,” the group built a massive international following. However, their relationship with ADOR began to unravel following an internal dispute that saw the group’s former creative director and ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin, pushed out of the company.
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The members subsequently attempted to terminate their contracts and pursue independent activities under the name NJZ. ADOR challenged the move legally, and a South Korean court ruled in favour of the agency, preventing the group from operating independently.
Now, the New York Times report has revealed another concerning dimension to the dispute. The contracts reportedly allow ADOR to continue using and licensing AI-generated versions of the members’ voices, including voice clones and chatbots, even after their agreements expire. While the members would receive payment, they reportedly have little control over how these digital versions of their identities are used.
The agreements also allegedly allow ADOR to continue selling and repackaging NewJeans’ music after 2029, albeit with reduced royalty payments to the artists. Legal experts have questioned whether some of these provisions would hold up in court.
Young Artists, Heavy Restrictions and a $22 Million Dispute
Perhaps more concerning are the circumstances under which these contracts were signed. All five members were between 14 and 17 when they entered their agreements. According to the investigation, the contracts reportedly excluded standard protections concerning sleep, education, physical health and mental well-being.
Other clauses allegedly restricted members from making public statements that could damage the company’s reputation. Vague provisions concerning an “insincere attitude,” “inappropriate romantic relationships” and neglect of self-management also featured in the agreements.
Emails reviewed by the New York Times reportedly show that when a member’s mother requested changes to the contract in January 2022, an ADOR executive suggested reconsidering the agreement altogether if the proposed terms were unacceptable.
The fallout has since taken an even more dramatic turn. In October 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the members’ contracts remained valid until 2029. While Haerin and Hyein later confirmed their return to ADOR, followed by Hanni, Danielle’s contract was terminated. ADOR subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking approximately $22 million in damages and penalties.
HYBE has maintained that its contracts are legally valid, negotiated in good faith and consistent with industry standards.
neurotic but nice 🙂
