NYT “NewJeans' contract had clauses protecting minors deleted… AI vocals can be used indefinitely”

New Jeans, a popular K-pop girl group, signed an exclusive contract with Adore, a label under Hybe, in 2022 when the members were between 14 and 17 years old. The New York Times obtained and analyzed the group's confidential contract, finding that it lacked protections for the minors, including rights to education and sleep, which are included in the Korean government's standard contract.

The contract also restricts the members from making public statements that could harm the company's reputation and allows Hybe to use the group's music and AI-generated voices even after the contract ends. Hybe and Adore have responded to the report, stating that the contract was negotiated in good faith and complies with industry standards.