NJZ Controversy Sparks Call for Laws to Safeguard K-Pop Agencies

Amid the ongoing NJZ controversy involving NewJeans and its agency Ador, five major Korean music associations have called for legislation to prevent tampering—unauthorized attempts to lure artists away from their contracts.

The groups, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Music Content Association, argue that tampering could destabilize the K-pop industry.

The controversy began in April 2024 when former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin held a press conference, leading to the group’s members announcing their departure and rebranding as NJZ.

The associations expressed concern that these disputes are becoming public spectacles, swaying public opinion without proper fact-checking.

Tampering, they warn, could financially harm entertainment agencies and disrupt the entire industry, especially with foreign capital possibly taking control of K-pop.

They are urging the government to implement laws that protect artists’ contracts and prevent the practice, similar to regulations in industries like semiconductors.

The groups emphasized that failure to act could damage the industry’s integrity and threaten K-pop’s future.