"Can already smell the media play coming" — Fans slam ADOR over NewJeans' upcoming schedule announcement amidst Jeju airplane tragedy

Fans have expressed outrage following ADOR's announcement of NewJeans' schedule amidst the national mourning period for the Jeju Air crash. On December 30, 2024, the agency took to X to confirm that the group's planned activities would proceed without changes.

The official statement from ADOR went as:

"Hello, this is ADOR.We pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in this tragic plane disaster to rest in peace. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families in deep sorrow. NewJeans will be attending the TBS '66th Shine! Japan Record Awards' and 'Countdown Japan 24/25' as scheduled."

ADOR's decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the agency of disregarding the fact that the country is currently in a mourning period. One user wrote on X:

"I can already smell the media play coming"

Fans are arguing that while most organizations and artists postpone or cancel events out of respect, ADOR appears to prioritize media attention. Social media platforms have been flooded with disappointed reactions, with fans voicing their disapproval of what they perceive as insensitivity during such a time.

“You have to accept that Ador isn't going to give up her new jeans any time soon,” a fan said.

“Empty shell subsidiary shouldn't even be talking,” a fan criticised.

“Make it less obvious now,” another stated.

“We don’t want to hear you, leave my girls alone!” a fan exclaimed.

Fans also criticized ADOR for making decisions that they believe unfairly target NewJeans.

“All this sh*tty agency do is bring hate to the girls even after they left,” another fan stated.

“Girl cbs and award shows are being postponed and you're making them go bc 'the organizers,'" a fan remarked.

“the fact they are trying to throw shade at newjeans in some weird way is weird," a fan expressed.

On December 29, 2024, South Korea was struck by a devastating tragedy when a Jeju Air flight crashed, claiming the lives of 179 passengers.

This led the South Korean government to declare a seven-day national mourning period, during which entertainment programs and events across the country were postponed or canceled out of respect for the victims and their families.

---

NewJeans mark their appearance at the Shine! Japan Rocking Awards on December 30, 2024

Even though NewJeans has terminated its contract with ADOR, the company remains responsible for overseeing the group's activities for a transitional period.

Despite the mourning period for the Jeju Air flight crash victims, ADOR announced that NewJeans would still perform at the TBS "66th Shine! Japan Record Awards" and "Countdown Japan 24/25" as planned. In their statement on X, the company expressed condolences to the bereaved families but justified their decision by citing the impact cancellations would have on the event organizers.

"This decision was made after carefully considering the significant impact cancellations would have on the organizers. It is with heavy hearts that we proceed with these activities during this time of national mourning. We kindly ask for your understanding. Thank you," the tweet read.

The decision has sparked criticism among fans, many of whom feel that ADOR is once again failing to protect the group's rights and interests. This controversy has reignited frustration among fans, who have accused ADOR of prioritizing external commitments over respect for the national atmosphere and the well-being of the group.

---

NewJeans terminated their contract with ADOR on November 28, 2024, citing the agency's inability to meet their demands, including the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as CEO.