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NewJeans, Loossemble, and fromis_9 announced their departure from respective companies on the same day, November 29. Considered some of the biggest names in K-pop, these three girl groups terminated their contracts within a span of 22 hours of each other. K-pop fans took to the internet to express their amazement and reflect on the K-pop industry's alleged history of mistreating artists.
Many fans noted how both NewJeans and fromis_9 have publicly spoken about the alleged mistreatment and mismanagement by their respective agencies in the past. One of the formis_9 members, Chaeyoung directly asked for work and a comeback like other active groups in May 2024. Moreover, fromis_9's Hayoung mentioned in one of her Weverse livestreams that she wishes to sing more but has not been given more opportunities. So, many K-pop fans expressed their support for the girl groups for leaving the companies.
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One fan questioned:
"honestly wtf is going on why cant companies treat their artists right."
Many fans expressed their relief at the groups for standing up for themselves against the alleged mistreatment of their companies and wished the idols well for their future.
"happy for the girls to parting ways with their disrespectful companies and wishing them the best in the future," said an X user.
"It’s good to see idols taking stand against their toxic companies best of luck for future girlies," commented another X user.
"All groups that I love. I hope you guys can find a new company that treats you all better," said a fan.
Many fans also commented about this day being particularly unlucky for girl group fans.
"cursed day for gg stans," commented a fan.
"kpop girl group stans have it worse," said another fan.
"girl groups stans losing left and right today what the f*** is going on," said an X user.
The respective companies of the three girl groups - NewJeans under ADOR, fromis_9 under PLEDIS Entertainment, and Loossemble under CTDENM, released the statements confirming the termination of their contracts.
NewJeans has been engaged in a feud with ADOR ever since April 2024, when HYBE initiated an audit on ADOR's former CEO Min Hee-jin. Consequently, in September, Hanni relayed her experience of being ignored by a HYBE group on the instructions of their manager. This shocking revelation led Hanni to appear in front of the National Assembly to testify against workplace harassment and bullying.
Two groups under HYBE Labels - NewJeans and fromis_9 leave their agency while Loossemble decide to not renew their contract
Unlike NewJeans, both fromis_9 and Loossemble are parting ways with their respective companies over the conclusion of the exclusive contracts. However, fans noticed how two out of three groups are part of HYBE Labels. Both ADOR and PLEDIS Entertainment are subsidiaries of HYBE.
On November 29, PLEDIS Entertainment shared an official statement on Weverse, stating that the company and the members of fromis_9 have amicably decided to part ways as their exclusive artist contracts end on December 31, 2024.
"Hello. This is PLEDIS Entertainment... The exclusive contract with fromis_9 will expire this coming December 31. We discussed at length and in depth with the members of fromis_9 regarding each member's future and direction and have come to an amicable conclusion to end the exclusive artist contract."
Meanwhile, there have not been any reports of mismanagement or grievance by the fans of Loossemble for mistreatment under CTDENM. The group reportedly left the company upon the conclusion of their exclusive contract. In other terms, the members decided not to renew their contract with the agency. Regarding their termination, CTDENM stated in an official statement:
"Hello, this is CTDENM. Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude for your precious support and love the members of Loossemble (Hyunjin, Yeojin, Vivi, Gowon, Hyeju). We are informing you that the exclusive contract with the members of Loossemble has ended."
Loossemble, which comprises five former members of LOONA, re-debuted under CTDENM on September 15, 2023, a year after LOONA members filed an injunction for the termination of their contracts with Blockberry Creative in 2022.
As for NewJeans, the members have unilaterally decided to leave ADOR without filing any lawsuits. Hence, according to the company's statement that was released after NewJeans emergency press conference on November 28, the company stated:
"(...) The contract between ADOR and the members of NewJeans is still in effect, and we hope that you will continue to work with ADOR in the future. We have asked the artists to meet with us several times, but it hasn't worked out, and we hope that we can have an open and honest conversation with them now. (...)
The five members of NewJeans on November 29 made their official statement clear that they will be terminating their exclusive contract with ADOR and will continue to work independently. According to their statement, ADOR has violated its obligations under the contract especially by not fulfilling its duty to protect its artists. They also highlighted that maintaining an exclusive contract will only supplement their mental distress.
Through their fan-communication application, Phoning, NewJeans members consoled their fans over the news of the termination of their contract and assured them that they will be back with a surprise after a short break.
Loossemble's Hyeju also reassured fans after the announcement and promised to meet them soon.
