"Can't believe this is happening": Netizens react as NewJeans' early contract termination fee is speculated to cost around 300 billion KRW

On Friday, September 13, the Korean news outlet Insight released an article speculating the estimated cost for NewJeans for their early contract termination with HYBE Labels. The report stated that the fee would come to around 300 billion KRW, which roughly comes up to 225 million USD.

The fee might also double up to 600 billion KRW, which sums up to 449 million USD. However, this estimate is based on the standard that Korea's Trade Fair Commission holds for the early termination fee for K-pop idols. The specificities of the K-pop girl group's contract with HYBE Labels in unrevealed. Therefore, the exact cost regarding their early termination is unavailable.

Earlier, another Korean news outlet, YTN, reported that NewJeans might enter a legal battle with HYBE Labels to exit the company. This information was garnered through the livestream that the NewJeans members kickstarted through their new YouTube channel.

In the livestream, which is now unavailable due to the deletion of the YouTube account, the members demanded the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as ADOR's CEO. They also expressed their dissatisfaction with the new structure of ADOR, where the production and management departments are separated.

Here are a few reactions to the fee that NewJeans have to reportedly pay for their early termination:

"Can't believe this is happening with such a large group."

"It’s insane this is happening to a super big group that has amassed so much popularity and success, what was the need, everyone on top got too greedy and the artists ended up suffering," said a fan on X.

"Of course they what that quantity of money, they need them to stay, degenerate company just want them so bad," stated another netizen.

More netizens talked about how if BlackJeans don't pay this fee, a legal battle would most likely arise between the two parties.

"I hate they got caught up in this, they are hardworking talented kids," said a netizen.

"I really can’t believe this is what it’s come to for them," commented an X user.

"Good for them...I mean one gotta do what one gotta do even if it's unethical. Gotta hustle!" stated a netizen.

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NewJeans members kickstart a YouTube livestream demanding the reinstatement of ADOR's management and their former CEO, Min Hee-jin

On September 11, the K-pop girl group NewJeans kickstarted a livestream through a new YouTube channel. They stated that the livestream was organized without the knowledge of ADOR. During it, the members talked about their recent experience with the new ADOR management and its CEO, Kim Ju-young.

Hanni talked about an incident she experienced on the fourth floor of HYBE Labels, where all the artists get their hair and makeup done. She stated that she saw a group and its manager pass by, and the NewJeans member shared greetings with them. However, when they came back again, the manager asked the group members to ignore Hanni.

The idol stated that the treatment was unfair and she was dumbfounded at the same. When she took these concerns to her new CEO Kim Ju-young, she reportedly labeled Hanni a liar and dismissed her. Following this, the NewJeans members have been angered at the management. Danielle also commented that she's scared of the state of the group and ADOR employees under the label.

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NewJeans gave HYBE Labels until September 25 to bring back Min Hee-jin as ADOR's CEO. Additionally, they also demanded ADOR's management structure to go back to the way it was, when production and management weren't seperated.