As of February 24, 2025, a significant legal chapter has closed for ADOR, the agency behind the popular K-pop group NewJeans (NJZ). The Ministry of Employment and Labor has concluded its investigation into allegations of workplace bullying made by NJZ’s manager against ADOR’s CEO, Kim, ruling that the CEO is “not guilty.” This decision marks the end of a contentious dispute that had raised questions about internal management practices at ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE.
The Manager’s Allegations Against ADOR’s CEO
The drama began when NJZ’s manager accused ADOR’s CEO of workplace bullying, claiming they had been mistreated during their tenure. The manager alleged they were wrongfully detained and questioned by the company, with their laptop confiscated as part of an internal audit. These claims painted a troubling picture, suggesting a hostile work environment at the agency responsible for one of K-pop’s rising stars.
However, the situation grew more complex as additional details emerged. ADOR countered that the manager had engaged in unauthorized activities, including helping NewJeans members connect directly with advertisers and brands—bypassing the agency entirely. Since the manager was still employed by ADOR at the time, the company viewed these actions as a breach of contract and potentially illegal. This prompted ADOR to launch an internal audit, which the manager later cited as the basis for their bullying complaint.
Ministry of Employment and Labor Steps In
Following the manager’s formal complaint, the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office, operating under the Ministry of Employment and Labor, took up the case. The investigation focused on whether the CEO’s actions during the audit constituted workplace bullying. After a thorough review, the ministry concluded with a “no charges” ruling, stating it was “unable to confirm whether workplace bullying occurred.” The decision hinged on the lack of concrete evidence, with the submitted materials failing to substantiate the manager’s claims.
ADOR’s Perspective and Response
ADOR had previously addressed the bullying allegations, framing the situation as a misunderstanding rooted in the manager’s conduct. The agency argued that its internal audit was a necessary response to the manager’s actions, which they believed undermined ADOR’s authority and contractual agreements. By facilitating direct deals between NewJeans and external parties, the manager effectively excluded ADOR from its rightful role in managing the group’s activities—a move the company deemed unacceptable.
In light of the ministry’s ruling, ADOR’s stance appears to have been vindicated. The “not guilty” verdict reinforces the agency’s position that the CEO’s actions were within the bounds of professional conduct and that the audit was a legitimate response to an internal breach.
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