ADOR Refutes Claims of Workplace Bullying from NewJeans’ Manager
In a recent turn of events, ADOR, the agency behind K-pop girl group NewJeans, has issued a statement refuting serious accusations made by one of the group’s former managers. The manager, identified as “Manager A,” claimed they were subjected to harassment and mistreatment by ADOR’s CEO, Kim Joo Young. The manager also alleged they were forced to hand over personal devices and even illegally confined until a company laptop was returned.
In response to these claims, ADOR has firmly denied the allegations, explaining their side of the story and presenting their own legal concerns. The agency’s official statement, released on December 11, 2024, sheds light on what transpired and the actions they took in response.
ADOR’s Official Statement: Refuting Workplace Bullying Allegations
According to ADOR, there was no “illegal detention or coercive action” involved in the situation, contrary to the claims made by Manager A. The agency clarified that the manager was not confined but instead placed on “administrative leave” as part of an internal process. They emphasized that the only request made to Manager A was to return the company laptop—no personal devices were involved in the process.
“Manager A was asked multiple times to meet with ADOR representatives and clarify their position, but those requests were declined,” the agency explained in their statement. ADOR also addressed the manager’s delay in returning the laptop, which reportedly took several hours after the official notice was issued.
When the laptop was finally returned, ADOR found that the data on the device had been completely erased, making it impossible to recover or identify any files that may have been deleted. “All work-related data should be returned without unauthorized deletion,” ADOR stressed, indicating they will pursue legal action for what they consider a breach of policy.
Manager A Accused of Breaching Contract and Misconduct
Beyond the allegations of mistreatment, ADOR also accused Manager A of serious misconduct. The agency claims that after NewJeans announced their intention to terminate their exclusive contract with ADOR, Manager A directly reached out to a third-party advertiser to negotiate a contract for the group—without involving the agency.
“This is a serious violation of the exclusive contract,” ADOR stated. Under the terms of their agreement, NewJeans is contractually obligated to participate in all entertainment activities solely through ADOR. The agency added that Manager A admitted to these actions, which they argue constitutes a breach of trust and the group’s exclusive contract with them.
Furthermore, ADOR expressed concerns over Manager A’s lack of cooperation during the investigation. The manager allegedly failed to provide adequate evidence or offer truthful statements when questioned, further complicating the internal review process.
ADOR’s Legal Action: A Continued Dispute with NewJeans
This recent controversy comes on the heels of another ongoing legal battle involving ADOR and NewJeans. The agency is currently embroiled in a lawsuit to verify the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contract following the girl group’s announcement to terminate their agreement with ADOR.
The legal dispute over the contract has been brewing for months, with both sides working to resolve the matter in court. ADOR’s efforts to protect its rights and hold the group to the terms of the exclusive contract appear to be escalating, with the manager’s allegations adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
What’s Next for ADOR and NewJeans?
As ADOR refutes the accusations made by the NewJeans manager, the situation remains tense and fluid. The agency’s stance on the matter suggests they are committed to protecting their business interests and ensuring that any misconduct is addressed through legal means.
Meanwhile, NewJeans fans are left wondering what the future holds for the group, as they continue to support their favorite artists during this turbulent period. While the outcome of the ongoing lawsuit and internal investigations remains uncertain, ADOR’s recent statements indicate they will continue to defend their position aggressively.
With the stakes so high, it’s clear that the battle between ADOR and NewJeans—along with the serious allegations surrounding the former manager—will be a defining moment for both parties in the coming months. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as the story unfolds.
