Report reveals NewJeans contracts waived rights to sleep and free choice

A new investigation by The New York Times has uncovered details about the record label contracts signed by the global K-pop sensation NewJeans. The report indicates that the agreements, signed when the members were between the ages of 14 and 17, included clauses that waived their rights to sleep, rest, and free choice. These findings shed light on the often opaque nature of contracts within the music industry.

The contracts with Ador, a subsidiary of the major entertainment company Hybe, contained specific prohibitions. The performers were barred from displaying an insincere attitude or engaging in what was defined as inappropriate romantic relationships. Furthermore, the agreements removed standard language intended to protect the basic human rights of child artists, including their right to education.

The report highlights that the contracts also excluded portions of the South Korean government's recommended template for K-pop deals. Specifically, the language that prevented labels from demanding excessive physical exposure or overly sexually suggestive expressions from minor performers was omitted. This deviation from government guidelines has raised questions about the protection afforded to young artists in the industry.

In response to the findings, representatives from Hybe stated that the company adheres to child-protection laws. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring that their artists work and train in safe conditions. Hybe further explained that their contracts are legal and were negotiated in good faith, with protections in place for both the artists and the label's financial investment.

NewJeans has experienced significant public attention in recent years. The five-member group became the second Korean girl group to achieve a number one album on the Billboard charts in 2023. Their relationship with their label became a focal point for global media in November 2024, when the band announced their decision to leave Ador amid disputes over contract terms and allegations of career undermining.

Tensions escalated after band member Hanni accused Ador of deliberate miscommunications and manipulation in a statement to the South Korean parliament. The label maintained that it had not violated its duty, arguing that a unilateral claim of broken trust was not sufficient grounds for terminating the contract. This legal and public standoff has continued to define the group's trajectory.

In December 2025, Ador took legal action against band member Danielle, a member of her family, and the band's producer. The lawsuit sought nearly $30 million in damages and contract break penalties. Hybe representatives noted that these exit penalty fees do not exceed standard industry practices, addressing the magnitude of the financial claims.

The contracts also contained provisions regarding the use of the members' likenesses. Ador was granted the right to use their names, photographs, handwriting, voices, and other elements in perpetuity. This extends beyond government recommendations, which typically suggest such rights end when the contract terminates. Additionally, the clause allowed Ador to use the members as AI chatbots or clones.

The investigation also noted that the contracts struck language forbidding performers from working excessive periods of time. They also required the band to repay a significant portion of the costs associated with plastic surgery, a common practice in K-pop. Hybe stated that they do not recommend cosmetic procedures against an individual's wishes.

The members, who had already completed years of training in K-pop boot camps, faced strict schedules. One source told The New York Times that rehearsals often extended until 2 am, a time when the youngest member, Hyein, was only 12 years old. Following the receipt of their exclusive contracts in January 2022, the parents of one member requested changes but were told the contract could not be reconsidered if not signed in its current form.