K-pop group NewJeans’s contract omitted rights to ‘sleep and free choice’ – report
Summary
A New York Times report found that NewJeans members signed Ador contracts as minors that omitted some protections in South Korea’s standard K-pop contract template. The contracts included restrictions on performers’ conduct and gave Ador broad rights to use their identities; Hybe said its contracts were legal and that it protects artists’ safety and rights.Key Facts
- The five NewJeans members signed exclusive contracts with Ador in January 2022, when they were between 14 and 17.
- The contracts omitted template language protecting minors’ basic human rights, education, rest, and free choice.
- The contracts prohibited an “insincere attitude” and “inappropriate romantic relationships.”
- The contracts also omitted template protections against excessive work and sexually suggestive expression by minors.
- Hybe said it follows child-protection laws and negotiates contracts in good faith.
- In November 2024, NewJeans announced plans to leave Ador amid a dispute over their contracts; Ador denied violating its duties.
- Ador sued Danielle, a family member, and the group’s producer in December 2025, seeking nearly $30 million in damages and penalties.
- The contracts gave Ador rights to use members’ names, images, voices, and other identifying features in perpetuity.
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