NewJeans members emphasize that they shouldn't be the ones paying the contract termination penalties

AKP STAFF

Netizens are actively discussing the complexities surrounding NewJeans’ contract termination penalties.

In their recent emergency press conference, the members of NewJeans addressed the issue head-on, making it clear that they believe they should not bear the burden of paying any penalty fees.

Danielle explained, "The five of us will freely pursue the activities we truly want to do after the termination of our exclusive contracts. However, we will proceed with the scheduled commitments and obligations that have already been arranged. We are deeply grateful to the advertisers who have always supported us. I also want to assure them that there’s no need to worry. We have no intention of causing harm to others due to the contract termination."

Adding to this, Haerin stated, "I’ve seen many articles about penalty fees. However, we have never violated our exclusive contracts, so there is no reason for us to pay any penalties. On the contrary, it is ADOR and HYBE that have violated the contracts, so the responsibility clearly lies with ADOR."

Minji also emphasized during the press conference that their decision to leave stemmed from significant internal changes within ADOR. She noted that many key stakeholders in ADOR they used to work with "have all been suddenly dismissed" and criticized the way ADOR and HYBE are "talking as if they are two different entities, when in reality, they are now the same body."

This statement has sparked further debates among netizens about whether NewJeans will prevail in potential legal battles over the contract termination penalties.

Reactions from netizens include:

"The contract violation was committed by HYBE."

"Straightforward and clear."

"This is correct. What did NewJeans violate for people to be talking about penalty fees?"

"That’s absolutely right. The kids are so sharp and admirable."

"But seriously, I’ve never seen a company act like this before—doing this to a group that’s doing so well and hasn’t even been around for long."

"Exactly. The fault lies with HYBE, so why should they pay a penalty?"

"But isn’t terminating the contract itself a violation?"

"Of course! There’s so much evidence of HYBE outright damaging the artists' image."

"HYBE should be the one paying the penalty fees."

"Wait... is this really true, though? I’m curious—has there ever been a case where someone left and was truly free afterward?"

"Exactly, HYBE abandoned them first, and there’s evidence to prove it."