It seems that NewJeans is now out there fighting against the whole Kpop industry. Two major Kpop unions—KMF and KEPA—are now out in the public, condemning NewJeans for their contract termination dispute against ADOR. But who exactly is KMF and KEPA in Kpop? How will their statements affect the development of NewJeans contract dispute?
Major Kpop Unions—KMF and KEPA—Condemn NewJeans Contract Termination Dispute
The whole Kpop industry has reportedly sided with HYBE and ADOR on the contract termination dispute from NewJeans.
On December 6, two major Kpop unions, the Korea Management Federation (KMF) and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA) published press releases with strong statements that highly criticized and condemned NewJeans contract termination dispute.
According to these organizations, NewJeans has shaken Kpop to its roots. They also believed what NewJeans did pose a grave danger to Kpop. If NewJeans continues to dispute ADOR with the unilateral contract termination, they will destroy the foundation of the whole Kpop industry.
“NewJeans recently made headlines by unilaterally terminating their contract. It could have a devastating impact on Korea’s pop culture and entertainment industry.
Training and managing artists is a costly and risky effort that requires time, trust, and commitment from both agencies and artists. By breaking their contract so early, NewJeans risks damaging the trust that fuels the industry.
Who would be willing to invest in the Kpop market if such actions become common?”
KEPA.
KEPA also urged NewJeans to “quickly revoke their childish and irresponsible argument” and return to ADOR. The same demand also emerged from the Korea Management Federation (KMF).
“Artists must work closely with their agencies, and agencies should support their artists to reach their full potential.
Ending a contract unilaterally after a dispute could harm the Kpop industry. Who would invest in a contract that can be terminated by just one party?
We hope NewJeans reconsider their decision and start open communication with the agency. We also wish for a positive resolution and hope it doesn’t escalate further.”
KMF.
Who Exactly is KMF and KEPA in Kpop?
So, you might be wondering, who exactly is this KMF & KEPA, and what makes them crucial in the Kpop industry?
KMF, or the Korea Management Federation, represents all the companies of entertainers in South Korea. Its Korean name is Hanmaeyeon, also known globally as KMF and KMA.
This union makes sure the Kpop industry runs smoothly. How? By reportedly ensuring fair practices, protecting the artists’ rights, and helping Kpop scenes grow both in local and global markets.
All this time, this union has been highly involved in addressing industry disputes and controversies. Before commenting on NewJeans, the KMF also condemned the re-debut of the three former FIFTY FIFTY members.
Meanwhile, KEPA, or the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association, has been the oldest Kpop agencies and companies union since 1992. This organization focuses on researching, developing, and distributing Korean music and entertainment and selecting and promoting Korean songs on the global stage.
Furthermore, KEPA plays a crucial role in organizing major events like the Dream Concert, and advocating for both artists and agencies. Not only that, but KEPA also works to maintain industry standards and ensure that Kpop continues to thrive around the world.
Therefore, KMF and KEPA have been playing a massive role in keeping the Kpop professional and growing.
How These Statements Affect NewJeans Contract Termination Dispute
Finally, these strong statements from KMF (or KMA), and KEPA, only prove that NewJeans is alone in the contract termination dispute against ADOR. It seems that the whole Kpop industry is now siding with HYBE and ADOR, by reinforcing the agency’s position and applying public pressure on the group.
With the three major Kpop unions condemning NewJeans, it is possible that they have further damaged NewJeans reputation within the Kpop management industries. Not only that, these statements could also escalate in way stricter contract regulation between agencies and artists.
If the issue eventually goes to court, it will also cause agencies to get paranoid about similar cases. Hence, it will result in mistrust between agencies and artists.
Meanwhile, NewJeans released a statement that they will continue their contract termination dispute against ADOR.
“After the CEO change, ADOR did not correct all the escalating issues with HYBE. Instead of protecting us, they allowed false rumors to spread. They also failed to demand improvements from other labels, which harmed our reputation.
Additionally, we are deeply disappointed that ADOR has been offering excuses and has now filed a lawsuit. We hope that through the legal proceedings, the reasons we had no choice but to terminate the exclusive contract and the violations by ADOR will be thoroughly revealed.
Although the road ahead will not be easy, we dream of a life where we can continue making music with our fans who love us. We are determined to make that dream a reality.
We want to be brave and healthy individuals.”
NewJeans.
So, what do you think about this new update and development? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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