The group NewJeans, which is experiencing a dispute over its exclusive contract with its agency Ador, will end its role as a promotional ambassador for the Incheon International Airport Customs.
According to the Incheon International Airport Customs on the 15th, the customs office decided to terminate the contract with NewJeans, which had been acting as a promotional ambassador, in accordance with an agreement with Ador.
The Incheon International Airport Customs appointed NewJeans as a promotional ambassador in March of last year, with an activity period of one year. There were discussions about the termination of NewJeans' contract due to the removal of NewJeans banners that had been installed in the Incheon Airport arrival hall last March, but at that time, the customs office denied this and stated that they were discussing the possibility of extending the contract with NewJeans.
The termination of NewJeans' contract appears to be a consequence of the conflict between former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE that erupted last April. This has led to restrictions on NewJeans' activities.
Industry insiders believe that other popular girl groups like aespa and IVE will fill the void left by NewJeans.
NewJeans claimed that their contract was terminated due to Ador's breach of contract last November and began independent activities. In response, the court ruled in favor of Ador's request for a provisional injunction to maintain the status of the agency and prohibit the signing of advertising contracts. The members appealed, but this was also rejected, leading to a halt in their activities.
In relation to this, Ador stated, "There was a decision in the appeal court that once again clearly confirmed that we are the agency of NewJeans," and added, "We hope this will be an opportunity for the members to return to their place as NewJeans and resume activities."
On the other hand, NewJeans stated, "The trust has already been shattered, and we have crossed a river that cannot be returned. We will have to discuss with our clients (the members), but it will not be easy," drawing a line regarding the possibility of an agreement.
