K-pop groups who've left their agencies: NewJeans is just the latest
K-pop girl group NewJeans recently announced their decision to leave ADOR, accusing the agency of mistreatment and manipulation. Despite this, ADOR, under HYBE, insists their contracts are still valid. This follows a history of K-pop idols challenging unfair treatment by agencies.
K-pop girl group NewJeans has recently announced their decision to leave their agency, ADOR, after accusing it of mistreatment and manipulation. Members Hanni, Minji, Haerin, Danielle, and Hyein expressed their desire to terminate their contracts, but ADOR, which operates under the HYBE umbrella, maintains that their contract with NewJeans remains valid.
This is, however, not the first time K-pop idols have gone up against their agencies. The industry has long been criticized for the unfair treatment of idols and trainees. Some agencies have seen having trainees as young as 12 or 13-year-olds sign contracts that require them to repay the label for living expenses, training fees, and wardrobe costs. Over the years, several K-pop groups have, however, taken the bold move and stepped up against their agencies or taken legal action against them. Here are some groups who have challenged their agencies:
TVXQ (DBSK):
Members: Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu, Yunho and Changmin
Members Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu of TVXQ attracted a lot of attention in 2009 when they sued their agency, SM Entertainment. The lawsuit was centered on allegations of unfair contract terms and long contracts. The three members left SM and founded the group JYJ, while the remaining members Yunho and Changmin remained in SM and promoted as TVXQ.
EXO:
Members: Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun, Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan and Tao
In 2014, EXO members Kris (Wu Yifan) and Luhan filed lawsuits against SM Entertainment, seeking to terminate their contracts. They cited unfair treatment and personal reasons for their decision to leave, which created a divide within the group. Both later pursued solo careers in China. Additionally, in June 2024, members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin also took legal action against SM, raising concerns over profit sharing and other related issues. The three members have now signed under Baekhyun's label INB100 for their solo promotions.
KARA:
Members: Sunghee, Nicole, Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole and Jiyoung
'@KARA_DSP' 7TH MINI ALBUM [#IN_LOVE] ??!
— KARA (@KARA_DSP) May 26, 2015
?http://t.co/yBe4iTCrYJ
?? ? ??????? ??? #CUPID ? ??????~ :)#KARA #?? pic.twitter.com/OEqfbDiyvG
Three members, Nicole, Han Seungyeon, and Kang Jiyoung, attempted to end their contracts with DSP Media in 2011 because to their displeasure with the agency's leadership. In the end, the members chose to stay with the agency despite the conflict turning into a public dispute. However, after her contract ended, Nicole eventually moved out.
B.A.P:
Members: Zelo, Jung Dae-hyun, Kim Him-chan, Bang Yong-guk, Youngjae, and Jong-up
B.A.P THE BEST -JAPANESE VERSION-＜通常盤＞の購入者特典が決定！対象店&絵柄公開！
— B.A.P JAPAN OFFICIAL (@BapJapanstaff) November 15, 2018
対象店にて商品をお買い上げの方に、先着で特典【ポストカード】をお付けします。無くなり次第終了ですので、ぜひお早目にGETしてくださいね?
★対象店など詳細はこちら↓https://t.co/czhXJNeZHs#BAP #びえぴ pic.twitter.com/5q2KwNluAg
The group sued their agency, TS Entertainment, in 2014, seeking to terminate their contracts on the grounds of unfair treatment, excessive working hours, and inadequate income. Although they eventually achieved an agreement, the organization encountered major difficulties during and after the legal struggle, and several members eventually left the agency.
Loona
Members: Heejin, Hyunjin, Chuu, Haseul, Vivi, Yeojin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, Yves, Go Won, and HyeJu
[LOONATHEWORLD]
— ??? ??(LOOΠΔ) (@loonatheworld) March 5, 2023
Thank you Tokyo?
See you again Orbit ??#????? #LOONA pic.twitter.com/MYL7n1ps8N
Chuu filed a lawsuit in December 2022 after Blockberry Creative announced her removal from the group. Her case included unfair profit distribution, a breakdown of trust, and abuse of power. She also sought to nullify her exclusive contract. In March 2023, four other members—Jeon Heejin, Kim Lip (Kim Jungeun), Jeong Jinsol, and Choerry (Choi Yerim)—followed suit and won their legal battle against Blockberry Creative over their exclusive contracts.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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