Popular K-pop group NewJeans has announced that it is terminating its contract with the management agency, ADOR. The group members wanted ADOR to allow their producer to return to the agency, but they say ADOR has not listened to them.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference on Thursday, NewJeans said that ADOR has neither the intention nor the ability to protect the group.

Hanni said: "It will be a waste of time to stay in the agency. We will keep suffering mental pain if we do that." Danielle said, "We would like to freely engage in activities we care about."

NewJeans said that, since the company violated the contract, the group does not have to pay penalties.

ADOR said it is regrettable that the group made the announcement at a news conference without "sufficient consideration." It also said the contract is still in effect.

ADOR is a sub-label of the major South Korean K-pop company Hybe, which manages the boy band BTS and other popular artists.