The popular K-pop girl group NewJeans announced in a recent press conference that they have decided to part ways with their agency ADOR, which is a sub-label under HYBE. Tensions around NewJeans’ association with ADOR started building following the fallout between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin and HYBE.

NewJeans also stated that, after their contract termination, they may no longer be able to use their group name going forward. In response, ADOR maintained that its agreement with

NewJeans also revealed that they want to continue working with Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO and the group’s creative director. Min was removed from her position at the label after HYBE accused her of attempting to gain control of ADOR from its parent company by selling company shares and leaking confidential information.

This is the latest salvo in an ongoing battle between former NewJeans producer (and former ADOR CEO) Min Hee-Jin and HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk. From HYBE’s perspective, Min tried to do a hostile takeover of ADOR.

With Ador likely gearing up to start a legal battle, its now-former K-pop girl group NewJeans appears ready to move forward with their activities, signaling the start of what could be a long legal fight over rights and compensation.

The sudden exit of K-pop group NewJeans from ADOR has caused HYBE's market value to drop by over $423 million, according to CNBC.

In response to the press conference, ADOR issued a statement contradicting NewJeans' claims. The agency asserted that their exclusive contracts with the group remained valid, expressing disappointment that the press conference was held without proper review and before receiving a reply to the letter of demand.

K-Pop group NewJeans called an emergency press conference on November 28, and announced they are leaving their agency and management group ADOR, a subsidiary of entertainment group and label HYBE. The group blamed an “insincere attitude” for the contract termination,

Over in South Korea, the future of HYBE-owned label ADOR has been thrown into uncertainty after K-pop girl group NewJeans, the label’s primary source of income, announced Thursday (November 28) that they are terminating their contracts with ADOR.

In a press conference, the members of NewJeans said they're leaving their label, Ador — and may not be able to use their group name in the future