K-pop girl group NewJeans will reportedly move ahead with plans to release new music next month despite the ongoing spat between its label ADOR and entertainment giant HYBE.
This is according to a new exclusive report by South Korean news outlet Korea JoongAng Daily, which cited a source with “knowledge in the matter”. This comes shortly after news that HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, the woman behind NewJeans, are in a power struggle over the K-pop agency.
“NewJeans will make a comeback in Korea with a new single in May, whether or not ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin cooperates with HYBE,” the source told the publication. “It is her duty to push ahead according to the schedule, as well as duty of HYBE.”
Last month, NewJeans announced the upcoming release of two single albums and a world tour in 2025. The first of the two releases is ‘How Sweet’, featuring its title track and a B-side called ‘Bubble Gum’, which is due out on May 24.
The second was announced as the girl group’s Japanese debut on June 21, featuring the songs ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Right Now’. It is currently unclear if this second release will still be moving forward with the current dispute between HYBE and ADOR.
Following the news of the spat, ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has since accused HYBE of “undermining” the success of NewJeans by creating a copycat version of the quintet. She has also refuted allegations that she was attempting to take control of the K-pop agency from HYBE.