"Withdraw irresponsible demands and resume normal activities."
The Korea Entertainment Producer's Association (KEPA) has expressed deep concern over the NewJeans controversy, stating it has shaken the foundation of Korea's cultural and entertainment industry.
KEPA emphasized, "Exclusive contracts are the culmination of mutual trust and promises," and criticized the notion of unilaterally terminating such agreements without substantiated claims.
The association further highlighted the legal requirements for contract termination, stating, "The party asserting the termination must provide valid justification, yet NewJeans has failed to present concrete evidence."
KEPA also strongly criticized NewJeans' press conference, describing it as "an irresponsible action by a party to the contract."
Additionally, KEPA raised allegations of tampering, claiming, "NewJeans is suspected of colluding with third parties during the contract term to induce its termination."
The association warned of the detrimental impact this could have on the entertainment industry, cautioning, "This incident could erode trust between agencies and artists, leaving long-term damage to the industry."
KEPA urged NewJeans to retract its claims and return to normal activities, calling for an end to any independent entertainment activities. The association also demanded a thorough investigation into tampering allegations.
Finally, KEPA appealed to lawmakers and government officials to devise robust measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
[Full Statement Below]
The recent dispute over contract termination between NewJeans and their agency has deeply shaken the Korean cultural and entertainment industry. K-pop, our national pride and a global cultural asset, is being uprooted by this controversy. The Korea Entertainment Producer's Association cannot overlook this issue any longer and strongly voices its position.
- Exclusive contracts are built on trust and promises.
- Termination cannot be justified through unilateral claims. Proper legal grounds must be presented by the asserting party. However, NewJeans has failed to provide specific evidence for their allegations. The press conference announcing unilateral contract termination, held without following appropriate procedures, reflects irresponsibility and disregards both legal standards and industry norms.
- Allegations of tampering raise greater concerns.
- During the term of their contract, NewJeans is suspected of conspiring with third parties, including internal staff, to induce termination. If true, this would amount to advanced and highly detrimental tampering, severely undermining trust in the entertainment industry.
- This sets a dangerous precedent for the industry's sustainability.
- Agencies invest significant resources to develop artists. If a globally successful group like NewJeans declares contract termination prematurely, it jeopardizes the trust and cooperation critical to the industry. If such actions are tolerated, who would invest in the K-pop market?
KEPA calls on NewJeans to withdraw their baseless and irresponsible claims and return to normal activities. If any independent entertainment activities are ongoing, they must cease immediately, and a constructive dialogue with the agency must begin. KEPA also demands a thorough investigation into alleged tampering and calls on legislators to enact measures that prevent similar issues in the future.
Thank you.
