Ador, the management agency of NewJeans, has rejected the group’s abrupt announcement of contract termination, asserting that their exclusive agreement remains valid until July 31, 2029. The K-pop label’s response came after NewJeans held a press conference Thursday to reveal their decision,

What’s next for NewJeans after their departure from ADOR? From new labels to going independent, here are some possible theories we explored.

The popular K-pop girl group NewJeans announced in a recent press conference that they have decided to part ways with their agency ADOR, which is a sub-label under HYBE. Tensions around NewJeans’ association with ADOR started building following the fallout between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin and HYBE.

Following their contract termination with ADOR, NewJeans will be supported by their parents for future decisions.

NewJeans also revealed that they want to continue working with Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO and the group’s creative director. Min was removed from her position at the label after HYBE accused her of attempting to gain control of ADOR from its parent company by selling company shares and leaking confidential information.

Ador, Hybe’s sublabel, claimed Thursday that its exclusive contracts with the members of the K-pop girl group NewJeans are still effective. “The exclusive contracts signed between Ador and NewJeans members are still valid.

NewJeans also stated that, after their contract termination, they may no longer be able to use their group name going forward. In response, ADOR maintained that its agreement with

In a press conference, the members of NewJeans said they're leaving their label, Ador — and may not be able to use their group name in the future