On November 9, the Korea Popular Music Industry Association (KPMIA) strongly rebutted a report by The New York Times (NYT) that criticized the control system of K-pop agencies based on the exclusive contract of girl group NewJeans.
The KPMIA expressed deep concern in an official statement regarding the recent NYT report that cited NewJeans' exclusive contract. The association stated, "The report fails to adequately consider the legality of contracts made under South Korean laws and institutional regulations," and pointed out that it reflects a biased perspective that overlooks the characteristics of the incubating system that has contributed to the global growth of K-pop.
Earlier, on November 5, the NYT reported that it had obtained the exclusive contract signed by NewJeans members with their agency, Ador, during their teenage years, labeling it as "exceptionally aggressive and exploitative." The article highlighted that the youth protection clause specified in the government standard contract was omitted from NewJeans' contract. It also raised concerns about the agency's ability to charge artists for costs related to suggested cosmetic procedures and the vague prohibitions on inappropriate relationships or neglecting self-management, which granted the agency broad discretion. The report included claims that requests from parents to amend contract clauses were effectively rejected.
In response, HYBE, NewJeans' parent company, stated through the NYT that it strictly complies with child protection laws and does not encourage cosmetic surgery. Additionally, it clarified that the government standard contract is not legally binding and that contracts with its labels are negotiated legally.
The KPMIA also cautioned against broad interpretations that could negatively impact the entire K-pop ecosystem. The association emphasized that domestic agencies and artists currently enter contracts based on the 'Standard Contract for Popular Culture and Arts' and the 'Act on the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry,' asserting that major K-pop companies, including HYBE, thoroughly protect rights such as personality, sleep, and education through agreements with trainees and national standard youth agreements.
The KPMIA voiced that K-pop's unique talent development system should not be dismissed as 'oppressive control' solely from a Western perspective. It stated, "The fairness of exclusive contracts should be assessed comprehensively, considering individual clauses, supplementary agreements, relevant laws, and compliance." The association added that protecting artist rights and respecting the legitimate rights of production companies are not opposing values.
Regarding the ongoing legal disputes, the KPMIA criticized the exposure of confidential documents to foreign media. It expressed concern over the public disclosure of exclusive contracts, which are subject to confidentiality obligations between parties, and warned against the potential for individual disputes to lead to negative evaluations of the entire K-pop industry. The association pledged to respond firmly to distorted public opinion that undermines the industry's reputation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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