The ongoing dispute between ADOR, HYBE, and the parents of NJZ (NewJeans) members has taken another dramatic turn. ADOR has vehemently denied claims that HYBE‘s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, attempted to sabotage NJZ‘s upcoming Hong Kong concert, labeling the allegations as “baseless.”
ADOR’s Firm Denial
In an official statement released on February 19th, ADOR addressed the accusations made by the NJZ parents’ association.
“ADOR has never encouraged NJZ to cancel their Hong Kong concert,” the statement asserted. “We have also confirmed that Chairman Bang Si Hyuk has never contacted us regarding NJZ’s Hong Kong concert.”
ADOR further clarified their involvement in the concert’s organization, stating,
“ADOR requested the organizers to use the official team name ‘NJZ’ as requested by domestic media and to hold the concert through ADOR based on the members’ exclusive contracts.”
Parents’ Association Accusations
Earlier, the parents’ association of NJZ members Minji, Danielle, Hani, Haerin, and Hyein publicly alleged that Bang Si Hyuk had pressured officials to cancel the concert.
“A ComplexCon official involved in concert preparations recently informed us that Bang Si Hyuk personally called officials in the United States, urging them to cancel NJZ’s concert,” they claimed via social media.
The parents expressed deep frustration and disappointment, stating:
“We were deeply offended and angered. It made us realize that HYBE has not changed—they still see the members as mere money-making tools rather than artists to be supported. Instead of encouraging them, they are interfering and trying to make them fail. Since then, we have also heard that ADOR has attempted to interfere in various ways.”
They also questioned the lack of direct communication from Bang Si Hyuk:
“Chairman Bang, when we sent our protest email in April 2024, we requested a direct response from you, but we have yet to receive one. If you have so much to say, why not call us directly instead of contacting others? I also don’t understand why HYBE’s chairman is personally intervening in a dispute between ADOR and the members. Do you still claim that ADOR and HYBE are separate entities?”
Despite the allegations, the parents’ association confirmed that NJZ would proceed with their ComplexCon performance:
“NJZ members will perform at ComplexCon in Hong Kong. They are excited and working hard to prepare, believing they can show a new side of themselves to fans around the world despite the hardships caused by HYBE and ADOR. Despite these alleged acts of sabotage, the Hong Kong ComplexCon performance will proceed as scheduled, and we ask for your continued support.”
Legal Battle and Contract Disputes
This latest development occurs amidst an ongoing legal battle between NJZ and ADOR. The group initially announced the termination of their exclusive contracts in November 2023, citing alleged contractual violations. ADOR responded by filing a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contracts.
The Seoul Central District Court has scheduled a hearing for March 7th to address ADOR‘s injunction request to maintain management rights over NJZ and prevent them from signing independent advertising contracts.
The situation remains highly charged, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives. As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of NJZ and their relationship with ADOR and HYBE hangs in the balance.
