NewJeans Contract Controversy: K-pop Industry Group Accuses NYT of Bias

The Korea Popmusic Industry Association has criticized The New York Times over its report on NewJeans' exclusive contract with ADOR.

The association, known as KPIA, issued a statement on Nov. 9 expressing concern about the coverage. "We express concern about the recent report by The New York Times, which cited the exclusive contract of a particular K-POP artist," it said.

The association described the report as "a one-sided and biased assessment," arguing that it failed to adequately consider the legality and legitimacy of contracts made under South Korean laws and regulations. It also said the report overlooked the characteristics and value of K-POP's artist development system, which has contributed to the industry's global growth.

KPIA argued that it was inappropriate to judge the entire K-POP industry without fully examining South Korea's contract system and the circumstances surrounding an individual agreement.

"We regret that The New York Times portrayed a dispute over an individual contract as a structural problem affecting the entire K-POP industry without sufficiently acknowledging these institutional developments and the industry's efforts at self-regulation," the association said. "The fairness and legality of an exclusive contract must be assessed by considering not only individual clauses but also supplementary agreements, relevant laws, the circumstances surrounding the signing of the contract and whether its terms have been carried out in practice."

The New York Times reported on Nov. 5 that it had obtained the exclusive contract NewJeans members signed with ADOR in 2022 and asked five legal experts to review it. The newspaper said the contract lacked provisions protecting minors' rights to sleep, education and rest.

The report also raised concerns about a clause requiring members to cover a substantial portion of cosmetic surgery and skin care expenses incurred during their trainee years. Other provisions questioned in the report included restrictions on the members' behavior, penalties for terminating the contract and the use of their likenesses after the agreement ends.

HYBE and ADOR responded in a statement on Nov. 6, disputing the report's findings. HYBE said a separate national-standard supplementary agreement for minors had been signed alongside the exclusive contract. According to the company, that agreement included protections for minors' personal rights and their rights to sleep, education and rest.

HYBE also maintained that the members and their guardians had an opportunity to review and provide input on the contract. The company said a draft was shared on Jan. 7, 2022, before the agreement was signed in April of that year. It added that Min Hee-jin, who was ADOR's CEO at the time, was involved in the contract process.

NewJeans has been involved in a legal dispute with ADOR over the validity of the group's exclusive contracts. In October 2025, a court ruled that the contracts between the members and ADOR remained valid. Haerin, Hyein and Hanni subsequently confirmed their return to the agency, while Minji remained in discussions about her future activities.

In December 2025, Danielle was notified that her exclusive contract had been terminated. She is currently involved in a damages lawsuit with ADOR.

In July 2026, official content featuring Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein was released. No specific date has been announced for the group's next music release.