NewJeans Announce Departure Amid Industry Turmoil #

Members of NewJeans, a leading K-pop group, have announced their departure from their agency, despite the agency asserting that their agreement remains active. The agency has expressed a desire for the group to continue collaborating on future activities as previously practiced.

This departure is linked to internal conflicts between executives of the parent label and the former chief executive, who served as the band’s creative director. This has been a significant controversy in the K-pop scene, capturing widespread attention in South Korea due to a mix of accusations, audits, and a poignant press conference.

In a late-night press briefing, the five members of NewJeans declared their intention to leave the agency, expressing a strong desire to work with the former chief who recently exited the agency. One member stated, “Once we leave, we’ll aim to proceed freely with the activities that we really desire.” They shared their aspiration to release new music for their fans next year, as soon as possible, with hopes to connect with their audiences worldwide.

There are uncertainties regarding the band’s ability to retain their name post-contract termination with the agency.