NewJeans’ contract with ADOR has ignited a firestorm of industry scrutiny following the publication of internal documents by the New York Times. The report reveals that the group’s initial agreements, signed while members were minors, omitted standard legal protections and granted the label extensive control over the artists’ identities and earnings.
The investigative report, which utilized redacted contracts signed by members between the ages of 14 and 17, highlights a departure from government-mandated templates. While standard South Korean agreements are designed to guarantee rights to sleep, schooling, and physical and mental health, these provisions were absent from the NewJeans contract.
Restrictive Terms and Lack of Negotiation
Internal emails indicate that the contract terms were presented as non-negotiable. When the mother of one member sought modifications in 2022, ADOR’s Vice President reportedly suggested that if the original terms were not acceptable, it might be best to reconsider the deal entirely, ultimately leading the parents to sign. The documents further reveal that ADOR retains the right to sell the group’s music after the contract concludes while simultaneously reducing the members’ share of earnings.
did they not sign this with min heejin? specifically ador who was min heejin’s at the time? who newjeans defended until they went back to ador? https://t.co/KzYEmxjaUS
The label also maintains broad authority over the members’ identities, including their names, voices, photos, and handwriting. This clause extends to the use of AI-generated voice clones and chatbots, leaving the artists without control over how their likenesses are utilized, despite receiving payment for such usage.
Beauty Expenses and Cosmetic Procedures
The contract requires members to partially cover “beauty expenses” incurred by the label during their training period, including costs for skincare, plastic surgery, and “body shape correction.” Sources report that prior to the group’s debut, the label analyzed photographs of the members to determine how light fell on them, subsequently suggesting specific cosmetic procedures. While HYBE representatives denied coercing trainees, the report notes that such suggestions are often not viewed as coercive within the broader K-Pop industry.
Parent Company Enforces Standardized Artist Contracts Across Labels
The publication of these details has sparked significant backlash, though the report acknowledges that many of these restrictive provisions are considered standard practice within the industry. Discussion has emerged regarding the extent of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s responsibility for the terms; however, observers note that HYBE utilizes a centralized legal management system. Documentation suggests that artist contracts are subject to corporate oversight and standardization under the parent company, implying that these contract templates apply to other artists under the HYBE umbrella.
More on South Korean
All labels are required to use HYBE’s contract template, which means this applies to all HYBE artists https://t.co/hCC8d2mA49
According to HYBE’s own documentation, the company handles legal matters for all of its labels through an internal Legal Management System. This includes: • Exlcusive Contract Drafting • Exclusive Contract Review pic.twitter.com/8N9iRnpLfw
this is literally slavery and the hybe stans want us to believe the girls in the wrong https://t.co/LP1dkLdObp
Now think about it, contracts are handled by HYBE Legal team because its a shared services that labels pay for at Hybe. Every idol in that company has the same contract. The idols in that company has their voices muted no matter how much they cry for help. https://t.co/T4f8EJOfv5
just a note for ppl who are illiterate: HYBE’s legal teams are the one that made the contracts. fuck hybe!!!!! https://t.co/020lqS8msv
reminder that this means that other artists under hybe or any hybe affiliated label most likely have the same contract. newjeans wasn’t the first victim of these slave contracts and they won’t be the last if there isn’t real repercussions for these companies https://t.co/4b8GRORn9y
