[Dispatch=Reporter Kim Ji-ho] HIVE has released a statement in response to The New York Times' critical article on NewJeans' exclusive contract. In summary, HIVE states that there are no issues whatsoever with the NewJeans exclusive contract, and that the contracting party was even Minhee.

On the 6th, HIVE said, "Because contract documents and litigation materials that only the contracting parties possess have been leaked to overseas media and are being used as a tool to attack K-pop, we feel compelled to provide clarification," and proceeded to refute The New York Times' reporting point by point.

First, HIVE addressed criticism that artist protection clauses from the government standard contract were omitted. "HIVE's affiliated labels all enter into national standard youth subsidiary agreements with trainees and artists at each label," it responded.

The subsidiary agreement includes all protection clauses such as personality rights, sleeping rights, educational rights, and rest rights. "This agreement is valid until adulthood, and a youth protection officer is designated in accordance with relevant laws," HIVE stated.

According to HIVE, the NewJeans contract draft was shared on January 7, 2022. Over a three-month period, discussion of revisions took place through Q&A sessions, email communication, and legal review by the NewJeans side. The exclusive contract was signed in April of that year.

HIVE said, "The fact that the contract at that time was executed after sufficient discussion between both parties was also recognized through a court decision," and also pointed to a case where one member's mother had requested modifications.

The member's mother at the time requested a modification to a clause stating, "If there is an attempt at tampering, this should be immediately reported to the company." HIVE added, "While this request was not reflected, we provided a detailed and lengthy explanation, and (the mother) also expressed gratitude for the response."

Regarding CCTV installation, HIVE drew a line, saying, "Cameras are installed only in common areas such as practice rooms," and "this is a measure for the protection and safety of trainees and artists. The purpose is crime prevention such as unauthorized entry and theft."

HIVE stated, "Regarding academics as well, we fully respect and follow the intentions of the parties involved and their parents," and emphasized that it has nothing to do with members' academic discontinuation. The implication is that the discontinuation was not due to coercion from HIVE.

Regarding criticism that penalty clauses are excessive, HIVE said, "In the Danielle lawsuit, penalty clauses were calculated according to a formula completely identical to the standard contract," and informed that "the Seoul High Court also determined there were no issues when the exclusive contract dispute occurred."

On the issue of AI content utilization, HIVE said, "Of course, individual artist consent must be obtained to proceed," and stated, "The members' mothers also heard this content. They stated there were no disagreements and signed the contract."

HIVE's position is that additional clauses prohibiting defamation and unhealthy romantic relationships are natural matters. "In the case of overseas brand model contracts, broader dignity maintenance obligations are sometimes imposed compared to domestic contracts," it said.

Finally, HIVE emphasized, "We explained to The New York Times that the NewJeans contract was coordinated together by Minhee, who was the representative director at the time, the vice representative appointed by Minhee, each member and their parents, and legal representatives of some members, and was finally signed by all."

On the 5th (local time), The New York Times ran a critical article about HIVE, stating, "We obtained a private exclusive contract signed in 2022 when the five NewJeans members were between 14 and 17 years old." The contract's mention of members' cosmetic surgery and other beauty procedures became a point of controversy.

However, public opinion was divided. That makes sense, given that NewJeans is a case of receiving full-scale support from a major agency. For example, Minji and Hanni appeared in BTS music videos before their debut.

HIVE invested 21 billion won in Ador in two installments. It is known that 10 billion won alone was invested in NewJeans' debut album production and marketing. In just their first year of activities, NewJeans received settlement payments of 5.2 billion won per member.

Meanwhile, NewJeans' exclusive contract period with HIVE ends on July 31, 2029. Currently, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein have returned under Ador. Minji is in discussions with Ador, while Danielle is in a civil lawsuit dispute with HIVE.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>