# NewJeans Contracts Omitted Essential Child Labor Protections Label ADOR allegedly removed standard educational and health safeguards from K-pop group's contracts. - **Source:** [Pitchfork – News](https://pitchfork.com/news) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/aee6ecd0-6eb7-4d4b-a9ac-bd49606317f4 ## Contractual Safeguards Removed The K-pop group NewJeans faced unusually strict contract terms that omitted standard protections for child performers. While the South Korean government provides a template to prevent inhumane conditions, ADOR reportedly removed clauses guaranteeing rights to education and physical health. These contracts were signed when members were between 14 and 17 years old. ## Pressure on Parental Consent When a member's mother requested modifications to the contract draft, ADOR's vice president issued a firm ultimatum. The executive stated that if the parents did not agree to the current terms, it might be best to reconsider the contract entirely. This effectively pressured families into accepting conditions that bypassed standard industry protections. ## Grueling Training Regimes Leading up to their 2022 debut, members endured intense schedules with minimal rest, often rehearsing until 2 a.m. Four of the five members eventually dropped out of school to accommodate these demands. While ADOR denies pressuring performers to quit school, reports indicate that breaks were discouraged during the intensive preparation period. ## AI Voice Rights Dispute The contracts granted ADOR indefinite rights to use AI-generated versions of the members' voices. This deviates from the government-recommended template, which mandates that performers retain rights to their name, image, and voice once their contract concludes. This clause allows the label to exploit the group's digital likeness long after their departure. ## Behavioral and Speech Restrictions Contracts included broad bans on insincere attitudes and inappropriate romantic relationships. Furthermore, members were prohibited from publicly stating facts, whether true or false, that could potentially damage the label's reputation. These restrictive clauses aimed to exert total control over the performers' personal lives and public communications throughout their active tenure. ## Legal Retaliation and Damages Following a failed revolt against the label, ADOR terminated member Danielle Marsh and is currently pursuing $22 million in damages for alleged breach of contract. The label claims her refusal to work and unauthorized solo projects caused significant financial loss. Other members remain legally bound to the label until the year 2029. ## Parliamentary Testimony and Defiance Band member Hanni Pham publicly denounced the label's treatment of the group during a 2024 testimony before the Korean Parliament. Despite a court injunction, the group attempted to rebrand as NJZ and performed in Hong Kong. This act of defiance was short-lived, as the group eventually announced a hiatus following the court order. ## Industry Standards and Oversight The case highlights the gap between government-recommended contract templates and the actual practices of K-pop labels. While HYBE maintains that it complies with child-protection laws, the NewJeans situation underscores the vulnerability of young idols. The ongoing legal battles continue to challenge the foundational power dynamics within the global K-pop industry. ## Sources covering this story - https://pitchfork.com/story/newjeans-contracts-removed-key-protections-against-child-labor-violations/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._