The girl group NewJeans attended the red carpet event of the ‘2023 Asia Artist Awards IN THE PHILIPPINES’ (2023 AAA) on December 14 at the Philippine Arena. The event was hosted by Star News and co-organized by the Asia Artist Awards Organizing Committee, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World. IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, singer Kang Daniel, and Zero Base One’s Sung Hanbin were the MCs for the event.
NewJeans’ agency, ADOR, responded to concerns about the expression ‘New Verigo,’ which was found in an ‘artist document’ with the explanation that it was a misunderstanding from repositioning Le Sserafim alongside other girl groups. On the 29th, NewJeans’ side released a certified letter response received from ADOR. ADOR explained why no action was taken about how HYBE used the term and claims that Hanni was told to “ignore” by a manager from another HYBE label.
ADOR addressed that the ‘artist’ was distressed by the phrase “If you dump New and start anew” which was interpreted as a discrimination and poor treatment towards NewJeans. ADOR stated that the document was not composed by them but by HYBE, and upon the exposure of the phrase, they immediately sought clarification from HYBE.
HYBE clarified that the particular wording in the May 2023 report, prior to the public debut of I-LLIT, was not intended to refer to them or imply plans to disregard NewJeans.
NewJeans had sent a certified letter to ADOR through their legal names demanding rectification of what they deemed a breach of their exclusive contract. They warned that failure to address these or to spread unfounded rumors about their families would lead to contract termination and legal action.
Among demands were an apology from a HYBE Labels manager, who told Hanni to “ignore,” removal of unauthorized photos and video materials, reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee-jin, and solutions for damages caused by album releases. They held a press conference on the 28th announcing their intent to end the contract with ADOR from the 29th, citing ADOR’s failure to protect them as the reason for their departure.
Member Hanni emphasized the lack of protection and benefit from staying under ADOR, hence concluding they found no reason to remain.